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May 2012 7 Vol. 30, No. 5 baptiststoday.org

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Bruce T. Gourley PERSPECTIVE Online Editor [email protected] Collaboration is key to success 9 John Pierce David Cassady Church Resources Editor [email protected] ‘… In fact, we have to serve’ 14 Terri Byrd Colin McCartney Contributing Writer Vickie Frayne The significance of Adoniram Judson 33 Art Director Richard V. Pierard Jannie Lister ‘A little help from our friends’ 15 Customer Service Manager Seminary education takes on new forms 35 [email protected] Heather Entrekin Kimberly L. Hovis Marketing Associate [email protected] IN THE NEWS Walker Knight, Publisher Emeritus 40 Dalai Lama wins Templeton Prize 10 Jack U. Harwell, Editor Emeritus Morrow’s BOARD OF DIRECTORS Report: Church giving on the rebound 11 ‘Mother Walter B. Shurden, Macon, Ga. (chairman) Robert Cates, Rome, Ga. (vice chair) Denominational power, growth of Christianity Superior’ Jimmy R. Allen, Big Canoe, Ga. in different regions of the world Nannette Avery, Signal Mountain, Tenn. 12 Kelly L. Belcher, Spartanburg, S.C. Thomas E. Boland, Alpharetta, Ga. Mississippi, Vermont at opposite ends of Cover photo: By John Pierce. Baptists Today is Donald L. Brewer, Gainesville, Ga. expanding its publishing efforts during this Huey Bridgman, The Villages, Fla. religious spectrum 13 Mary Jane Cardwell, Waycross, Ga. growing season. Jack Causey, Statesville, N.C. Anthony D. Clevenger, Pensacola, Fla. Vatican wants to revive church’s role Kenny Crump, Ruston, La. in fighting Mafia 37 James M. Dunn, Winston-Salem, N.C. Quotation Remarks 8 Gary F. Eubanks, Marietta, Ga. Editorial 9 R. Kirby Godsey, Macon, Ga. FEATURES Ben Gross, Chattanooga, Tenn. Leslie D. Hill, Lexington, Ky. Vincent Harding: ‘Keeper of a story’ Reblog 15 Fisher Humphreys, Birmingham, Ala. 5 Michael M. Massar, Baton Rouge, La. John Pierce Classifieds 16 William T. Neal, Stone Mountain, Ga. Roger Paynter, Austin, Texas In the Know 16 Michael G. Queen, Wilmington, N.C. Pastoral Perspectives from Jack Glasgow 30 Kathy B. Richardson, Rome, Ga. Media 29 Lee Royal, Greensboro, N.C. Mary Etta Sanders, Dalton, Ga. The poor among you 42 Charles Schaible, Macon, Ga. Ken Camp Baptists and the Civil War 34 Macon Sheppard, Folly Beach, S.C. Charlotte Cook Smith, Winston-Salem, N.C. Lighter Side 38 David M. Smith, Houston, Texas Leo Thorne, Valley Forge, Pa. Cathy Turner, Clemson, S.C. An autonomous, national David Turner, Richmond, Va. news journal since 1983 Tom Waller, Alpharetta, Ga. Winnie V. Williams, Seneca, S.C. Cynthia Wise, Birmingham, Ala. 2 | Feature READERS SERVICES

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Information | 3 "#$%& '() *+$#$ ,& -$+( *./%0/ ‘Loving respect, clear disagreement’ Vincent Harding brought Martin Luther King Jr. and Clarence Jordan together to discuss their different approaches to a common goal

TLANTA — Martin Luther King Jr. and Clarence Jordan used different means toward the same end: racial equality. A King orchestrated mass boycotts to cripple economic systems and raise awareness of the injustices against African Americans. Jordan suffered the brunt of boycotts launched against his interracial farming community in Southwest Georgia — along with direct acts of violence. At Jordan’s request, mutual friend Vincent Harding brought the two together in Albany, Ga., in 1961 to discuss their difference perspectives. Suprisingly, this quiet but spirited meet- ing of two Georgia-born Baptists — with strong devotion to breaking down human bar- Historian, biographer and activist Vincent Harding, in an interview with Baptists Today, tells of a little-known riers of discrimination — has remained little meeting he arranged for Clarence Jordan to share with Martin Luther King Jr. his opposition to boycotts. known. But Harding recalled that meeting and other events from the Southern freedom move- “Why do we keep talking about this? Maybe Chicago. But on this September day in 1958, ment in a March interview with Baptists Today some of us should just see what happens if we they decided to give it a try. at the Atlanta University Center. did this in the South.” “It didn’t make sense to be on our kind of Harding described himself and his peers journey, to be in Alabama and not try to make HEADED SOUTH as “kind of crazy anyway.” So five young men contact with him,” Harding recalled his band of A careful historian, Harding recalls the events — three white, two black — piled into an brothers saying to one another. going back more than a half-century with old station wagon and headed for Little Rock To his surprise, a bank of phone books in caution but surprising clarity. At age 81, he where desegregation battles had made the Mobile had the phone number listed for the confesses that some of things he witnessed news. pastor’s home in Montgomery. Coretta Scott and some events he has written about over the Some might call them an early version of King answered. years may blend together. “freedom riders,” said Harding. But “Christian “Martin had been stabbed by a deranged But a memorable trip from Chicago to the riders” would be more fitting, he said, as their woman in Harlem on a book-signing tour,” said South in 1958 — in which he first met King faith in Christ clearly drove their mission. Harding, an event that hadn’t registered with and Jordan, separately — is quite clear. After moving through Arkansas and him at the time of his call. “He had gone home While studying at the University of Mississippi, the young men headed for to recover.” Chicago, Harding was part of a pastoral team Southern Alabama to a Mennonite camp. Coretta said she was uncertain if Martin in the “experimental, interracial” Woodlawn Finding interracial housing in the South at would be able to meet with them, but for them Mennonite Church — where bright, young that time was very difficult. to come on by. So they drove to Montgomery. and idealistic members liked to talk about the Upon their arrival, Coretta went back to the struggle for racial equality. They were mostly BEDSIDE MEETING bedroom to tell her husband about the young students or recent graduates of the University of None of the five had ever met King, though Mennonites. She reported back that “he’d be Chicago or the Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Harding recalled having heard the rising civil very glad to see you.” With King in his pajamas Eventually, the conversation shifted to: rights leader speak to a large gathering in and robe, the five young men from Chicago

4 | Feature gathered chairs around his bed and made a “wonderful first connection.” Harding recalled being impressed by King’s Vincent Harding: ‘Keeper of a Story’ “tremendous sense of humor.” “He kept congratulating us on the great feat By John Pierce At age 81, and with many participants of being able to get through Mississippi alive.” in and eyewitnesses to the struggles of the Harding said they talked about what King ATLANTA — Vincent Harding is revered ’50s and ’60s no longer around, Harding was trying to do in Montgomery and what they for both his work as a civil rights activist and said “there is clearly a sense of being a keeper were trying to do in Chicago. They asked King his excellent writings on the subject includ- of a story.” But he wants to do more than about his hope for the South as a whole. ing biographies of his friend Martin Luther share historical facts. After about two hours, the men were leaving King Jr. Students of the freedom movement “My deepest intention is not simply to when King looked at Harding and his friend Ed know that he drafted “A Time to Break pass on the story of that which took place Riddick and said: “You guys are Mennonites; you Silence,” King’s famous speech in opposition before they were born,” said Harding, “but to know about this matter of nonviolence. We need to the Vietnam War, delivered at Riverside encourage them to understand why they need you. You ought to come down here and work Church in New York City in 1967. to know that story in the light of what they with us sometime.” Born in Harlem, Harding attended are planning for their own lives in the future.” New York Public Schools and earned a He reminds young students that it’s history degree from the City College of ON TO KOINONIA only been about 60 years that this country New York in 1952. The following year he has been committed to building a multiracial Clarence Jordan’s interracial and controversial graduated from Columbia University with a democracy — and that “when it comes to farm outside of Americus, Ga., was a certain master’s degree in journalism. building a democracy, we are still a develop- destination for the wandering Mennonites — He served in the U.S. Army from 1953- ing nation.” though Harding doesn’t recall how they first 1955 before earning an M.A. in history at So there is a bigger question to be learned of Koinonia Farm. the University of Chicago in 1956. After his considered, he said: “How do you help train “Clarence and Koinonia represented the sojourn to the South, he received his Ph.D. and nurture and develop younger people same kind of commitment to Christian brother- in history from the University of Chicago in to become the experts on the building of a hood and sisterhood — and we would find a 1965. multiracial, compassionate democracy that welcome place there,” said Harding. His long and distinguished teaching can call on the resources of the Kings and So they pointed the station wagon toward career included Iliff School of Theology in the Clarences and the Fanny Lou Hamers Southwest Georgia. Denver where he taught from 1981 until his to help them to understand that this is an “Sometime after we left Montgomery, retirement in 2004. He is currently doing ongoing work — and that nothing was it may have been our next stop … we got to research and teaching at Morehouse College completed in 1960 or 1970 or whenever, but Koinonia and got to meet Clarence,” said in Atlanta. that the work continues?” Harding. “As you can imagine, we had many Yet Morehouse students who are privi- Helping young people who have always wonderful conversations.” leged to hear Harding today are in for more enjoyed so many rights and privileges to see Also memorable, Harding said, was than a strict history lesson. Harding resists their roles in the ongoing struggle for free- being assigned to a house near the entrance to the traditional language of the civil rights dom and equality is not easy, he confessed. Koinonia — where evidence of bullets having era, he said, because he doesn’t want them to “That’s so hard for young people of this been fired into the house remained on the wall assume the struggle is over. generation who are used to having things up just above his bed. “I refer to what we were going through and out and finished,” he said. “I enjoy the For Harding, that initial visit in 1958 at that time as part of the ongoing, never- struggle with them — but it is a struggle.” “was the beginning of a long relationship with ceasing struggle for the expansion of So Harding just keeps recalling the old Clarence and Koinonia.” democracy in America,” said Harding in a African-American song that says: “Freedom March interview with Baptists Today. is a Constant Struggle.” BT OFF TO ATLANTA A couple of years after his Southern adven- ture with friends, Harding and his new bride carry out their mission. Unknown to them at charge whereby a “strange black Mennonite Rosemarie moved to Atlanta as representatives the time, Martin and Coretta King lived just couple” would talk with white Southerners of the Mennonite Service Committee. With the around the corner. Their friendships with the “especially on the grounds of their Christian Georgia capital as their base, they would travel Kings grew. faith” — and encourage them to take a stand all over the South and relate to a variety of indi- Harding said King asked the young based on faith rather than politics. viduals and organizations to further the cause of Mennonite couple to help in various efforts of Harding said the struggle was “not just the freedom. the freedom movement. Two specific requests cause of black people, but the cause of justice Their commitment, said Harding, was to were to be involved in non-violence training and and democracy — and, of course, the cause of a find “where the way of love can take us in the to identify white persons who were sympathetic Christian way of life.” midst of social struggle.” to the freedom cause but might fear making A real estate agent helped them find a direct contact with King or local movements. MORE CLARENCE 12-room residence that would become the Desegregation efforts in Albany, Ga., were of “Whenever we were operating in South Mennonite House in which the Hardings would particular interest at that time. Georgia, we wanted to spend some time with provide hospitality and out of which they would So Vincent and Rosemarie gladly took the Clarence at Koinonia,” said Harding, who

Feature | 5 often took Mennonite House groups down for By the time they met in Albany in 1961, visits as well. King had become a world-known figure, said So before going to Albany to build the local Harding, and had much experience communi- support that King had requested, the Hardings cating in public and with the media. Jordan’s went to Koinonia. Clarence expressed concerns work — as a writer and teacher — was done about the strategy of using boycotts against more quietly. stores and institutions that would not open The two, he said, were “operating on abso- their doors to African Americans. lutely different scales.” Yet, both ministries were “As Clarence talked with Rose and me, needed, he added: intimate relationships and he asked if there was any way in which we work within the larger community. could arrange for him and Martin to talk “They both enjoyed people,” said Harding. together about his hesitations — growing, for But as King’s fame grew, casual relationships one thing, out of his own experience there at became more difficult due to “people wanting to Koinonia with boycott as a weapon.” get a piece of him.” Harding said Jordan knew firsthand of the Both of his friends shared a tremendous capacity of boycotts to do harm and he didn’t sense of humor, said Harding, although Jordan’s think such actions were consistent with Jesus’ was better known. call to love your enemies and not return evil “Clarence was probably more of a story- for evil. So Harding promised Jordan that he teller,” said Harding, who quickly added that would try to bring the two together to discuss King had gifts in that area as well. his concerns. Harding said he finds it fascinating that “I knew that Martin would be very glad both were Georgians and Baptists — with to meet Clarence in light of Clarence’s own roots in their native South where storytelling is history,” said Harding. “Both of them were common. Baptists; they had much in common.” CHRISTIAN DISCIPLES ALBANY MEETING In the early ’60s when Harding moved to the Things were heating up in Albany when King South, he discovered that the term Southerner arrived in December 1961. He didn’t have time “only meant white people.” But some African to go to Koinonia, but asked if Jordan might Americans in the movement — Julian Bond come to Albany, Harding recalled. being one of the first, he recalled — began to Clarence and Koinonia partner Con identify themselves in that way, said Harding. Browne were welcomed to the Albany home Southern roots and Baptist upbringings of physician and civil rights leader W.G. are not what Harding remembers most about Anderson to meet with King. The mutual affection was obvious, said Harding, describing the commonality shared by his two friends, both King and Jordan as “full of grace.” however. Yet “Clarence quickly moved to the direct “They both were men who took Jesus concern that he had,” said Harding. absolutely seriously,” said Harding. “That was While he doesn’t recall the full conversa- obviously one of the major grounds on which tion in detail, Harding said King listened they could stand for their conversation. They intently and said he understood Jordan’s both were convinced that the path of disciple- concerns. However, King felt that the use of ship was their path and that was the way they nonviolent protest and boycotts was a right wanted to go.” and effective strategy. And their disagreements over method- “They engaged each other with loving ologies, the noted historian added, fit well respect and clear disagreement,” said Harding. within the great tradition of Christian disciples “For those things to go together is a great gift.” since the time of Christ. Harding said he does not believe his two The two Baptists of the South with deep friends ever met again, but that Koinonia Christian commitments to the value of all per- opened its community often to others working sons — and a willingness to risk their lives for in the Albany movement. such a cause — died a year and a half apart: King from an assassin’s bullet at age 39 in April COMPARE, CONTRAST 1968 and Jordan from a heart attack at age 57 King and Jordan had similarities and differences in October 1969. said their mutual friend. “Both had developed a Yet their witnesses still bear light — and really impressive capacity to listen.” their shared mission continues. BT

6 | Feature ,& ')/11/ 2. ,'(3", Religion News Service Point person Baptist minister settles into role as religious freedom ambassador

WASHINGTON — Nearly a year into Bill Vendley, a senior adviser to the work- ing group, said Johnson Cook is helping to her stint as the State Department’s refocus the department’s engagement with religious communities to address not only reli- point person on religious freedom, gious freedom and counterterrorism but also Suzan Johnson Cook has traveled to human rights and reducing violent conflicts. “This is repointing the oceanliner,” said eight countries and seems to have Vendley, secretary general of the New York- based Religions for Peace, “moving the ship of moved beyond questions about her state, recalibrating its compass bearing vis-á-vis post, who has met with Johnson Cook a couple religion.” lack of diplomatic experience. of times. Some religious leaders say Johnson had to certainly learn the culture of In a bureaucracy where office real estate Cook’s previous role as a minister has prepared the State Department,” said Johnson carries political significance, some observers her well to be a public defender of religious “ICook, the Obama administration’s question why Johnson Cook’s office is placed freedom. ambassador-at-large for international religious within the department’s Bureau of Democracy, “Just listen to her and hear her speak and freedom, in a recent interview, “but I was not Human Rights and Labor, and how much if you find a problem with her in terms of foreign to the issues.” access she has to Secretary of State Hillary diplomacy, something is wrong with you,” said She was in Abuja, Nigeria, not long after Rodham Clinton. Neville Callam, general secretary of the Baptist bombs killed dozens attending Christmas Day “I can’t respond to everybody on the out- World Alliance. “If you find deficiencies in her Mass. And she’s been to Assisi, Italy, where she side,” said Johnson Cook, who noted that she fervor for religious freedom, you must be blind participated in an interfaith gathering orga- traveled to Istanbul with Clinton last summer. or deaf.” nized by Pope Benedict XVI. But she still has “What I can say is that on the inside I have Nina Shea, director of the Hudson many countries on her to-do list, including access, and the system works, and the structure Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom, some of the State Department’s hot spots. works.” praises the reports on international religious Her initial plans for a February visit to Religious freedom activist Thomas Farr, freedom that come from Johnson Cook’s office. China, which is designated as a “country of par- who was troubled about her lack of foreign But she also has concerns. ticular concern” for its religious freedom record, affairs experience when she was appointed, Shea thinks its work on the so-called were halted when China denied her visa. now says, “I think she’s done a pretty good job “Istanbul process” to address intolerance “We look forward to traveling and look- under difficult circumstances.” and discrimination against religion has inap- ing at a mutually agreeable time when it works The office of the mother of two teenage propriately given the Organization of Islamic for China and it works for us,” she said, not sons is decorated with family mementoes, Cooperation an opportunity to claim it is part- addressing criticism that the incident made her including her father’s Bible on which she took nering with the United Sates. office look weak. the oath of office. On the walls are photos of “It’s strengthening their position,” “But we continue to press even before her with Clinton in front of Istanbul’s famous said Shea, who just concluded her term as the visit. We’re concerned about religious Blue Mosque and officiating at Coretta Scott a commissioner with the independent U.S. freedom efforts there, particularly registration King’s funeral as four U.S. presidents looked Commission on International Religious of churches, the number of immolations that on. Freedom. “It’s not strengthening ours.” have happened.” The former New York Baptist minister Johnson Cook said the process is led From her top-floor corner office in the promotes interagency attention to religious by the U.S., not the OIC. After hosting a State Department, the first African-American freedom, works with U.S.-based groups that December meeting in Washington that contin- woman to hold the post works with a 16- are concerned with religious freedom, and co- ued the process, Johnson Cook said she looks person team, who kept the office running chairs the State Department’s new Working forward to sending a list of best practices on to during a long vacancy and Johnson Cook’s own Group on Religion and Foreign Policy. the United Nations. on-again off-again confirmation process. “It may not be the first time it’s ever “I don’t take full credit for that,” she said. “I got to believe that she will be a quick happened, but it’s the first time that it’s insti- “I think that I came in ... on a pendulum that’s study, but still you’ve got a very complicated tutionalized,” she said of the group that was been swinging and now we’re able to really put culture and not a whole lot of time,” said launched last fall. “You see government and some action and get some traction on some of Robert Seiple, the first ambassador to hold the civil society beginning to work together.” these issues.” BT

Information | 7 quotation remarks

“We wanted to show that movies “We are excited about our future. about the faith struggle that millions of “As one plunges deeper into We are moving forward.” Americans deal with don’t have to be the partisanship of America’s —Shorter University President Donald Dowless after cheesy.” culture wars, external facts an independent survey showed 89 percent of faculty has “no confidence” in his leadership of the Georgia —Author Donald Miller whose 2003 book seem to matter less than Blue Like Jazz was adapted for the big screen Baptist Convention school (Rome News-Tribune) (Washington Post) one’s hope that their side is winning. When people hear “To eat hastily and thoughtlessly, without pausing to give thanks for all “There’s always going to be someone Christians speaking foolishly who wants to put you out of town. the work and care that is concentrated Then there are our own up-and-down about political realities, into the food on my plate, is a kind of opinions of ourselves. But when you let should we not expect them to arrogant forgetfulness of my … absolute Jesus show you who you are, no one’s tune us out when we speak dependence on the people whose hands touched my food before I did.” flattery will puff you up — and no one’s about the Gospel? If they see criticism will throw you down.” the irrationality of Christian —Pastor Guy Sayles of First Baptist Church of Asheville, N.C., who once was a summer farmhand —Pastor Julie Pennington-Russell of First Baptist partisanship, how can they Church of Decatur, Ga., speaking to a women-in- (EthicsDaily.com) ministry conference at Baylor University in March expect anyone to believe other (Baylor Communications) incredible claims about God “We must concede that hyperbole and cousin hysteria are not helpful in the and Jesus?” “I think family-run ministries are search for solutions to church-state fabulous, but they have to be placed in —Jonathan Merritt, author of the upcoming clashes.” proper governance.” book A Faith of Our Own: Following Jesus —Aaron Weaver, a doctoral candidate in religion, Beyond the Culture Wars, and son of former politics and society at Baylor University, who blogs at —Robert A. Schuller, 57, blaming sibling rivalry for Southern Baptist Convention president thebigdaddyweave.com (Baptist Studies Bulletin) the demise of the Crystal Cathedral founded by his James Merritt (HuffPost) father Robert H. Schuller (RNS) “In every service this Sunday we’re “[W]e could purchase or rent, or we going to have the countdown clock and could even move into a renovated big reveal a page showing 52 Sundays, then box store like an old Walmart.” we’ll rip [it] off and show 51.” “The name Houston and the name —Executive Director Robert White on the possible Baptist are somewhat limiting to a —Pastor Robert Jeffress on the one-year countdown sale of the Georgia Baptist Convention’s six-year- national Christian university. ... That’s that began on Easter Sunday toward completion of old suburban Atlanta headquarters built for $43.5 why we are considering changing the the new $130 million building project including a million with a current debt of $26 million name.” new sanctuary for First Baptist Church of Dallas (Christian Index) (WFAA) —Houston Baptist University board member “We actually voted a Baptist Sunday Ray Cox Jr. (Houston Chronicle) “We pray for our Baptists and other school teacher out and voted a former Christian churches that in this situation principal Hollywood actor in who really “We have seen ourselves up close and they may be able to continue their understood the times.” decided we can do better … Turning witness to Christ, the Prince of Peace.” religion into shouting matches and —TV evangelist James Robison, on the Richard Land rampant bigotry doesn’t pass any —A statement expressing “grave concerns” about Live radio program, offering hope for reviving the Syria from the European Baptist Federation that gospel sniff test.” Religious Right that he helped bring about in includes the Syrian Baptist Convention with 1980 (ABP) —Religion News Service columnist Tom Ehrich 13 churches totaling 600 members (ABP)

8 | Perspective Editorial By John Pierce

Nurturing Faith expanding, offering new resources

Nearly one year ago, this news journal these lessons specifically for youth, and Kelly technology. Belcher gives a children’s perspective on the First, Baptists Today returns to book began providing the Nurturing Faith biblical texts. publishing (something it did many years ago). Bible Studies in the center spread. Good feedback from users of these stud- Several titles will be available in June, with ies has helped us to make improvements along many others coming out in the months ahead. Response to the excellent lessons by the way. We are nimble and can make changes These will be available either in print or as quickly to the online downloads to e-readers at nurturingfaith.net. Tony Cartledge and the supplemental delivery and print layout. Second, an excellent church-based, graded materials has been superb. As we rolled out the Sunday school curriculum for children has Nurturing Faith Bible been acquired and will be carefully crafted into hat began as an idea — rooted in Studies during a five-state Nurturing Faith for Children. We expect to have both observations from congrega- tour last year, online it available to churches by the end of this year. Wtional life and confirming survey editor Bruce Gourley Third, many other resources are at results — became a reality in a short time. So made the comment that various stages of development. These include today a growing number of adult and youth Nurturing Faith, like additional Bible study materials, as well as Sunday school classes — as well as other those who use the Bible resources for women’s groups and young weekly groups — are benefiting from these studies, has the capacity to grow. Indeed it adults. studies. does. Our commitment to providing a uniquely The concept was to make better use of So less than a year after launching the new independent, national news journal is not the space in the center of the news journal and Bible studies, Baptists Today is expanding its weakened by this expanded publishing venture. to provide the printed format for lessons that publishing efforts in a close working relation- In fact, Nurturing Faith has resulted in unprec- many desired. On the other hand, multiple ship with Faithlab. Together we have formed edented growth in circulation. (and free) teaching resources are placed online a team of writers, editors, designers and mar- And the revenues from publishing — including a video overview by Tony, a sug- keters with vast experience in every aspect of Nurturing Faith resources will support gested teaching plan by educator Rick Jordan, publishing. the news journal and the development of and lots of insightful background material. The result will be new high-quality future resources for churches and individual David Cassady and Jeremy Colliver adapt church resources using the latest in publishing Christians seeking a growing faith. BT

Collaboration is the key to success hile we cherish the autonomy to discover those with whom you can have The good question that leads to healthy afforded to Baptists Today, we do honest relationships. This is essential to collaboration is: What can we do better Wnot work in isolation. The key healthy, productive collaboration. together? to every successful aspect of our publishing A third criterion is mutual benefit. And none of our efforts to provide efforts is collaboration. Working together should benefit both part- Baptists Today and the growing Nurturing Recently a group of Baptist lead- ners — and more importantly the churches Faith resources would be possible without the ers invited me to share my understanding that we are committed to serve. faithful and ongoing support of the many indi- of partnership. Here are the criteria of Currently, Nurturing Faith has found viduals who give generously to these efforts. collaboration. such formal support and collaboration from The first is competence. We look for Faithlab, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Thank you! self-starting, committed partners whose gifts CBF of North Carolina, CBF of Georgia, match well with ours. Together we are able to CBF of Alabama, and the Baugh Foundation. accomplish things neither could do alone. Other groups work hand-in-hand — guided The second is trust. It doesn’t take long by these principles — in specific projects.

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Perspective | 9 ,& 0+%." +/%1.(4/%, Religion News Service ‘My little service to humanity’ Dalai Lama wins Templeton Prize for work on science, religion

NEW YORK — The Dalai Lama is The Templeton Foundation noted that In his recommendation to the awards the Dalai Lama has long had an interest in a committee, Richard Davidson of the University best known for his commitment to variety of scientific subjects, including astro- of Wisconsin-Madison, wrote: “More than any Tibetan autonomy from China and his physics, behavioral science, neurobiology and other living human being, His Holiness the quantum mechanics. Dalai Lama has served humanity to catalyze message of spirituality, nonviolence As one example, the Dalai Lama helped the advancement of ‘spiritual progress’ and to and peace that has made him a best- initiate a “Science for Monks” program, help us all to cultivate a better understand- based at Buddhist monasteries in India. The ing of the spiritual dimensions of human selling author and a speaker who can program hosts Indian and Western scientists experience.” pack entire arenas. who wish to explore possible connections and The Templeton Prize — the world’s larg- overlaps between science and Tibetan Buddhist est annual monetary award given to a single ut somewhat under the radar screen, traditions. individual — will be presented to the Dalai the Tibetan Buddhist leader and Nobel In turn, the program also provides educa- Lama at a May 14 ceremony at St. Paul’s BPrize laureate has also had an abid- tion in scientific inquiry to monks interested Cathedral in London. ing interest in the intersection of science and in biology, chemistry, cosmology, mathematics, The Dalai Lama becomes the second religion. physics and quantum mechanics. Templeton Prize laureate who has also won That interest won Tenzin Gyatso, the In its announcement, the foundation the Nobel Peace Prize. Mother Teresa won the 14th Dalai Lama, the 2012 Templeton Prize, noted “the rigorous commitment of Buddhists first Templeton, in 1973. Six years later, she a $1.7 million award that is often described as to meditative investment and reflection simi- received the Nobel Peace Prize. BT the most prestigious award in religion. larly follows the strict rules of investigation, The Dalai Lama is the highest-profile proof and evidence required of science.” winner of an award that in recent years had But the Dalai Lama also has been been given to physicists and theologians not involved in many academic confer- well known to the general public, but earlier ences on science and religion. had been given to the likes of evangelist Billy Some of these have resulted Graham and the late Mother Teresa. in best-selling books such as “With an increasing reliance on tech- The Art of Happiness, The nological advances to solve the world’s Universe in a Single Atom, problems, humanity also seeks the reassur- and The Dalai Lama at MIT. ance that only a spiritual quest can answer,” Aside from the “Science said John M. Templeton Jr., the president for Monks” program, the foun- and chairman of the Pennsylvania-based John dation noted that the Dalai Lama Templeton Foundation and the son of Sir John co-founded the Colorado-based Mind Templeton, who founded the prize in 1972. & Life Institute in 1987, dedicated to “The Dalai Lama offers a universal “collaborative research” between science voice of compassion underpinned by a love and Buddhism. and respect for spiritually relevant scientific Among other things, the research that centers on every single human institute hosts conferences being.” focusing on contemplative For his part, the Dalai Lama, in a video science, consciousness statement released during a live webcast and death, and destruc- announcing the prize, struck a modest note. tive and healing He said he was nothing more than “a simple emotions. Buddhist monk,” despite the 2012 Templeton Another institution or his 1989 Nobel Peace Prize. formed with the Dalai The Templeton honor, he said, was Lama’s collaboration is “another sign of recognition about my little Stanford University’s Center service to humanity, mainly, nonviolence and for Compassion and Altruism unity around different religious traditions.” Research and Education.

10 | Information Welcome upswing Churches lost $1.2 billion Report says church giving on the rebound in recession

Annalisa Musarra WASHINGTON (RNS) — Even as Religion News Service membership remains relatively stable in U.S. churches, the effects of the reces- WASHINGTON — The recession and a slug- sion caused contributions to drop by $1.2 gish recovery have made for a lighter collection billion. plate in recent years, but a new study shows According to the 2012 Yearbook that giving to U.S. congregations bounced of American & Canadian Churches, the back in 2011 as the economy improved. almost $29 billion contributed by church According to the fourth annual “State members represented a 2.2 percent of the Plate” survey released March 27, 51 decrease in terms of per capita giving. percent of churches last year saw an increase The $1.2 billion decline in 2010 was in giving, up from 43 percent in 2010 and 36 nearly three times as large as the $431 percent in 2009. million in losses reported in 2009, and The national survey, sponsored by “provides clear evidence of the impact MAXIMUM Generosity, Christianity Today of the deepening crises in the report- and the Evangelical Council for Financial ing period,” the Yearbook’s editor, Eileen Accountability (ECFA), asked more than 1,360 Lindner, wrote. congregations of different sizes to report on The Yearbook is produced annually their donations and budgets. by the National Council of Churches and “This has been the worst season of our is considered one of the most authoritative lifetime in declines in giving,” said Brian A shift away from “envelope packets” sources of church membership. The 2010 Kluth, founder of MAXIMUM Generosity toward electronic giving — such as using cell figures, released in March, were collected and the “State of the Plate” research. But 2011 phones, online donations and lobby kiosks — from 228 U.S. denominations in 2011. “is the first time we’re seeing an upswing after changed the way churches received donations The Roman Catholic Church (No. 1) three very hard years.” in 2011, a trend that has accelerated in the past and the Southern Baptist Convention The increase seen in 2011 was most four years, according to report. (No. 2) continued as the nation’s largest noticeable in the most mega of megachurches: The survey also showed churches in the church bodies in 2010, and both posted a 86 percent of churches with more than 10,000 past year have tried to be more transparent decrease of less than 1 percent, the fourth congregants saw the greatest rise in giving, with their finances: 92 percent make their year in a row of declining membership for compared to 39 percent of churches with fewer financial statements available by request to Southern Baptists. than 100 people that saw an increase. members, and 89 percent do the same for their Overall, total membership in the Still, nearly one-third (32 percent) of annual budgets. top 25 largest churches declined 1.15 churches said giving was down in 2011 — The majority of churches “really do desire percent, to 145.7 million. The Evangelical although a smaller share than the 39 percent of to handle their finances with integrity and Lutheran Church in America, though still churches that reported a decline two years ago, they use financial best practices that ensure in the top 10, reported the sharpest decline according to the survey. that integrity,” said Matt Branaugh, the edito- in membership, dropping 5.9 percent to The survey included small and large rial director for Christianity Today’s Church 4.3 million members. BT churches, although more than half had fewer Management Team. than 250 members. Respondents included “If you handle your finances with this mainline Protestant, evangelical, Pentecostal kind of integrity up front,” he said, “then and nondenominational congregations; just people will respond.” BT one percent were Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox. Church leaders attributed the reversal A shift away from “envelope in fortunes to better attendance, which was packets” toward electronic reported by half of the churches surveyed. Many others also cited their efforts to address giving — such as using cell giving and generosity with the congregation. phones, online donations In addition, according to the survey, 51.3 percent of churches enjoyed a bigger budget, and lobby kiosks — changed with extra money going to pay raises (40.3 the way churches received percent) and missions (36.5 percent), among other priorities. donations in 2011.

Information | 11 ,& #$(& 5. 0'%#1/)4/, Contributing Editor

Baptists Today is a member of the North American Baptist Fellowship, a regional body of the Baptist World Alliance. Participation in and coverage of global Baptists are made possible through a gift to Baptists Today from Charlotte and Roy Smith of Winston-Salem, N.C. Major shifts Denominational power, growth of Christianity centered in different regions

ALLS CHURCH, Va. — Christian virtually unknown in 1910, but now 25 per- institutional divide, as the church becomes leaders shouldn’t think only about how cent of global Christians are Pentecostal or more fractured along denominational lines. FChristianity is changing the world, charismatic. That movement’s emphasis on Citing the late David Barrett, who kept track but also about how the world is changing immediate experience is what detached the of such things, he said the world has at least Christianity. church in the global south from missionary 38,000 denominations, with one count now That is according to Wesley Granberg- control and shifted it to indigenous leadership, over 43,000. This is while the World Council of Michaelson, recently retired as general secretary Granberg-Michaelson said. Churches has just 349 member bodies. of the Reformed Church in America, speaking The growth rate among Pentecostals, “The changing dynamics in global before a North American Baptist Fellowship charismatics and similar independent groups is Christianity are rapidly outpacing the ability of meeting March 8-9 in Falls Church, Va. nearly five times the rate of other groups. Brazil, traditional groups to respond,” he said. Drawing largely on statistics garnered from for example, has the largest number of both He pointed to a new organization called the Atlas of Global Christianity compiled by Catholics and Pentecostals in the world. the Global Christian Forum that is attempting Todd Johnson and Kenneth Ross, Granberg- The distance between mainline churches to bring together a more representative group Michaelson pointed to major shifts in global and southern movements is getting wider in of leaders from world Christianity. The effort Christianity from 1910 to 2010, and noted terms of spirituality and personal experience, is still small, fragile and under-funded, he said, challenges and opportunities resulting from the and that gulf is the most serious challenge facing but has begun to show promise as a means of changes. the unity of Christianity today, Granberg- facilitating greater unity. The most apparent change is geographi- Michaelson said. The gap has to be bridged Granberg-Michaelson pointed to two other cal. In 1910, the vast majority of Christians if we are to offer the world a witness that is growing divides. One is generational, as younger were in the northern hemisphere, in Europe unified. Christians rely more heavily on the immediacy and America. Today, the rapid growth of Churches in the north major on tradition and connectivity of social networks for infor- Christianity in Africa, Latin America, South based in creeds and confessions, and hold to mation about faith. This tends to undermine America, and China has shifted the global cen- the concept of a broad universal church, but the authoritative institutions as reliable sources of ter of Christianity from near Madrid, Spain, to global south features highly creative indigenous truth and values, he said. somewhere near Timbuktu, in Mali, Africa. expressions of Christianity. There, expressions “The emerging generation is less concerned This geographical gap brings with it a of faith can be highly sectarian and actively about dogma and more concerned about spiritu- number of tensions, Granberg-Michaelson said. compete against other traditions, tribes and ality,” he said. “They thirst for more immediate Though the population of the Christian world cultures. spiritual communities.” has shifted to the south, financial resources and There is very little sense of a universal Finally, Granberg-Michaelson said, the denominational power remain in the north. church and virtually no participation in tra- church is challenged by a trend in which Leaders in the global north may still ditional ecumenical expressions. This leaves Christians shaped by the global south are think they are able to shape the future of world Christians in the global south vulnerable to migrating into the global north, bringing their Christianity, but that is becoming “more and beliefs and expressions that are far beyond experience and understanding of Christianity more a spiritual and practical illusion,” said orthodoxy, or even deemed heretical by those with them. Granberg-Michaelson. Major denominations rooted in the historical church, Granberg- The big question, said Granberg- still have their headquarters in northern cities, Michaelson said. Michaelson, is: “How do we navigate this most of them very expensive places to live, but “These differences cry out for our atten- changing scene in the context of local ministry the majority of Christians live in much poorer tion,” he said, “because the spiritually fervent where we are?” conditions in the global south. churches of the south need the rich tradition of There are no easy answers, he suggested, The geographical divide is compounded by the north, and churches of the north need the but one thing is clear: “We can’t grasp the love a theological gap, Granberg-Michaelson said. fervency of the south.” of God by just loving those who are like us or The modern Pentecostal movement was Granberg-Michaelson also pointed to an agree with us.” BT

12 | Information ,& '(('1."' 26"'%%', Religion News Service

Mississippi, Vermont at opposite ends of religious spectrum

WASHINGTON — If you’re searching categorized as very religious, moderately reli- (52 percent). gious or nonreligious, said Frank Newport, Gallup researchers found that overall, more for the most religious Americans, head editor-in-chief of the Gallup Poll. than two-thirds (68.4 percent) of Americans to Mississippi. And if you want to visit Many of the “most religious” states are in were classified as very or moderately religious, the least religious state, it’s Vermont. the Bible Belt, including Alabama (56 percent), with eight out of the 10 most religious states Louisiana (54 percent), Arkansas (54 percent) located in the South. But the differences in ccording to a new Gallup Poll, 59 per- and South Carolina (54 percent), but heavily religiosity varied across the nation. cent of residents in the Magnolia State Mormon Utah ranked second overall, at 57 Newport said he believed the findings Awere considered “very religious,” with percent. reflect the “culture in the states.” For example, almost 90 percent of the state affirming that In general, New England and the West Mississippi has the country’s highest percent- religion was an important part of their daily life. tended to be the least religious, with all six age of African-Americans, who are known for Vermont came in as the least religious New England states scoring in the bottom 10. being the most religious group. state, reporting that only 23 percent of the Following Vermont, those states included: “Most people say that’s the reason why the residents were listed as “very religious” and New Hampshire (23 percent); Maine (25 state is the highest,” he said, “but even people more than half — 58 percent — were consid- percent); Massachusetts (28 percent); Alaska in Mississippi with no religious identity are ered nonreligious. (28 percent); Oregon, Nevada and Washington more religious than people in Vermont who are The more than 350,000 adults in the U.S. (all 30 percent); Connecticut (31 percent); religious.” and the District of Columbia interviewed in and Washington, D.C., New York and Rhode The total sample of 353,492 citizens 2011 by the Gallup Daily tracking survey were Island (all tied at 32 percent). selected at random for the poll, conducted asked if religion was an important part of their While New Hampshire and Vermont tied through landlines and cell phones, had a margin daily life and how often they attended religious at 23 percent in the “very religious category,” of error of plus or minus 1 percentage point, services. Vermont (58 percent) had a higher share with some states having a margin of error of Based on those responses, residents were of nonreligious than New Hampshire plus or minus 4 percentage points. BT

Overall, more than two-thirds of Americans were classified as very or moderately religious.

Information | 13 OTHER V O I C E S — that call for taking Jesus seriously

‘We are ready to serve; in fact, we have to serve’ By Colin McCartney

ast month Tony Campolo wrote a people. There is nothing glamorous here, just Freedom Riders of the early 1960s — young column titled “The Next Generation hard and often frustrating work.” people, black and white, who took to the buses Speaks,” in which he shared the purpose They responded to my tough question by to defy the racist policies of the segregated of this new series. I consider it a great saying: South. Lprivilege to share the story of God enfolding in “We are tired of doing what we are told Church history informs us that the major- the lives of our next generation. I hope you pray good Christians are supposed to do. We don’t ity of the revivals were started through young for these young people, as they are a big part of want to do typical, safe church stuff. We want people. In the Old Testament we read of young the shaping of things to come. to do Jesus stuff. We want something different, radicals such as David, Samuel, and don’t for- I am involved in a ministry where we train new and unique. We want to be put into situ- get Daniel and his three buddies Shadrach, young emerging leaders in missional leadership ations where God has to come through, and Meshach and Abednego. In the New Testament through apprenticeship in urban churches. Our to be stretched in our faith. We just want to God chooses a teen mother to birth the Son, goal is to develop a movement of “Red Letter lay our lives on the line for and Bible scholars tell us that the Christians” who seek to live out the words of Jesus by serving the poor and disciples were young people (with Jesus highlighted in red in certain versions of oppressed.” “There is nothing Peter being the only exception). the Bible. At this point in our There seems to be a univer- glamorous here.” To them, “Jesus is Lord” means they will conversation I felt compelled sal and timeless drive in the souls be involved in spirited action especially in the to test their answer by redi- of young people everywhere to do lives of the poor and oppressed. Due to the recting our conversation back something heroic with their lives. nature of my ministry I have the privilege to onto the difficulties of starting a ministry in Echoing the two young folks in the coffee shop, speak, mentor and coach many young adults in broken-down, desolate church buildings located the collective passion in many hearts of the “red letter” ministry. in rough urban communities. I told them we upcoming generation is: “We are ready to serve; Recently I met with two young leaders who will start off with no resources, no money and in fact, we have to serve.” were interested in joining our apprenticeship perhaps no place for them to even lay their Let’s give our young people a platform to program. As we sat down to simmering cups of heads. (I am serious about this — as of now we try and do great things through the power of java and fresh-baked muffins, I asked them the do not have guaranteed accommodations for our great God. Let’s provide opportunities for standard questions we are all familiar with: our apprentices.) them to serve their way. Let’s dream with them “How did you become a Christian?” While speaking, I stared them straight in as they take risks for a greater good. BT “What gifts and talents do you possess?” the eyes to look into the window of their souls. “How did you hear about this ministry?” What I saw was inspiring. I discerned a sense of —Colin McCartney is the founder of They responded to these simple questions restless excitement stirring in their spirit. When Connect Leadership Ministries and with simple answers. Then I asked my favorite I was finished challenging them again, they both UrbanPromise Toronto. question: smiled ear-to-ear grins and blurted out: “Why do you want to work at Connect “This is exactly what we want to do with Ministries? This isn’t a comfortable place to our lives! We want to be stretched. We want to serve. You’ll be working in some dismal places depend on God for our very breath. We are even full of hurting people. There will be times when willing to live on the streets if need be. We are you’ll go without sleep and good food and you ready to serve; in fact, we have to serve.” will have to deal with some very exasperating These young people remind me of the great

EDITOR’S NOTE: Often we limit our hearing to voices similar to ours. This new column allows for other, usually more-youthful voices to speak about faith and the living out of Christianity in contemporary times. Writers will come from various backgrounds and church experiences. This series is provided in partnership with the Red Letter Christians Fellowship (redletterchristians.org).

14 | Perspective A little help from our friends Reblog Selections from recent blogs at By Tony W. Cartledge baptiststoday.org

he dog and I were out for a back-roads ramble during a family visit in Georgia tramped through some poison oak to where the Twhen we ran across the goat. rambunctious billy stood pinned with his feet I heard him before I saw him, though his two or three rungs from the ground. I tied the cry was pitifully small for a big billy. I suppose dog to a signpost, and then gingerly worked the he was tired: at some point he had stuck his goat’s horns back through the fence. head through the hog-wire fence of his pasture, Once free, he shook his head for a and couldn’t get it back. moment to get his bearings and then gamboled This is an occupational hazard for goats off to join the nannies, free at last. hemmed in by hog wire: the 4-by-5-inch rect- All of us, at times, find ourselves in tight angles are large enough for a curious goat to off the school bus, I’d hear him bleating from spots that could be physical, but are more often push its head through, but too small to allow the back of the pasture, and it was my job to financial, emotional, relational or spiritual. those splayed-out horns back inside. go and rescue him. Those times remind us how much we I learned this as a boy when my father Working an ornery goat’s head back need other people in our lives. A helping hand, fenced in a mostly wooded lot behind our through the hog wire often entailed skinned a compassionate ear or an encouraging word house and populated it with goats. Our billy knuckles, and I was glad when we finally can often be the difference between staying goat (who was ingeniously named “Billy”) turned Billy into barbeque. stuck and moving forward. thought the grass in a neighboring pasture was So, when the dog and I saw the goat, I We get by with a little help from our far tastier than our fare. Many days, when I got couldn’t just let him stand there crying. We friends. BT

probably fewer than 200 church bowling Bowl me over; I didn’t know that alleys left now. Two hundred? If someone had asked me to guess how By John Pierce churches as well. These are positioned many churches in the U.S. have bowling in church budget meetings as providing alleys in their basements, I might have said omehow I missed it — despite my Christian fellowship and attracting pros- three — just because churches do lots of best efforts to keep up with the pects who will likely improve the team’s things I’ve never thought about. Bingo, yes. Svarious shifts in American church winning percentage and tithe. But basement bowling alleys? culture. Going bowling is something many Perhaps I have been too ethnocentric. USA Today reports that church bowling church groups do as well. But I’ve never But sometimes it’s hard to get past one’s alleys are becoming less common now. But seen a bowling alley in a church basement. own cultural experience where the greatest that’s not the shock to me. Rather, I didn’t Decades ago I discovered the indoor church sporting event of all took place in know they ever were common. and highly competitive game of Dartball. the basement fellowship hall when lining Perhaps that’s because their prevalence The multicolored corkboards with a baseball up for a covered-dish dinner. The fried okra is beyond my most-familiar denominational diamond design occupied many small- and homemade chocolate pies only lasted so traditions and geography. But for whatever church basements in rural North Carolina. long. BT reason, I missed it like a 7-10 split. Banquets were held at the end of season Church softball I know well. My favor- to recognize the best of the dart-throwing ite personal experience was on a modified Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, etc., to toe fast-pitch team in Durham, N.C., in 1979. the line. And I have fond youthful memories of my But bowling alleys in churches? home-church team (Boynton Baptist) play- According to USA Today, it’s been going ing on the old field at Mt. Pisgah Baptist on for a long time. St. Ann Catholic Church Church in Ringgold, Ga. in Peoria, Ill., installed a four-lane alley in the Church softball leagues, for the unin- basement in 1945. And Milwaukee once had formed, allow for shared prayers for safety 13 church bowling alleys. and a positive Christian witness before the However, times are changing. Church games in which players and coaches yell at bowling alleys — which I didn’t even know each other and threaten the umpires more existed — now barely exist. They are dis- than in industrial leagues. appearing fast, according to this news story. Of course, there are basketball leagues Neil Stremmel, of the U.S. Bowling and other recreational options in most Congress, was reported as saying there are

Perspective | 15 In the Know Classifieds

Robert Evan Davis, former executive direc- Pastor: First Baptist Church Rutherfordton, a leadership and communication skills and work tor of Christian higher education for the 400-member congregation in the foothills of well with parents, committees and church American Baptist Board of Educational western North Carolina, seeks a full-time pastor. staff. Address questions to the senior pastor, Ministries, died April 6 at age 90. Requirements include accredited seminary edu- Paul Moore, at (864) 472-9069 or pgmoore@ cation, ministry experience and strong relational ifbc.net. Submit résumés to [email protected] Fred DeFoor Jr. received the Order of the skills. This church values traditional worship, or to Inman First Baptist Church, 14 N. Howard Silver Crescent from the State of South affiliates with CBF and SBC, and affirms women St., Inman, SC, 29349. Carolina in recognition of his 25 years as in ministry. Submit résumés by June 15 to minister of music at St. Andrews Church in [email protected], or to Pastor Minister to Students: First Baptist Church-St. Columbia. The congregation feted him with Search Committee, First Baptist Church, Clair Frankfort (fbcfrankfort.org), affiliated with a trip to New York, letters of gratitude and an P.O. Box 839, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. the CBF, is seeking a part-time minister to stu- anthem to be composed by Milburn Price. dents. Candidates must be able to continue the Don Kirkland will retire yearend after 16 Associate Pastor for College Students and development of existing programs/activities and years as editor of The Baptist Courier, the Young Adults: The University Baptist Church create and implement new programs/activities newspaper of the South Carolina Baptist of Baltimore, Md., a congregation located near designed to promote the spiritual and social Convention. He joined the staff in 1974 as the Homewood campus of the Johns Hopkins development of students in grades 6-12. Résumés assistant editor. University and affiliated with the CBF, seeks an are being received through May 15 at First Baptist associate pastor for the ministries to college Church “At the Singing Bridge,” Attn: Student Jeff Mathis is pastor of First Baptist students and young adults. Applicants must Minister Selection Committee, 201 St. Clair St., Church of Sylva, N.C., coming from First have a master’s degree from an ATS-accredited Frankfort, KY 40601. Baptist Church of Chattanooga, Tenn., seminary or divinity school. Musical ability is preferred with experience in the conduct of con- where he was associate pastor for six years. Minister to Children: First Baptist Church, temporary worship. For complete job description Lumberton, N.C., is seeking a full-time minister Rob Nash, CBF missions coordinator for and application procedure, please email inquiries to children to lead a ministry that will foster the past six years, will become professor of to staff@ubcbaltimore.org. children’s relationships with God and others and missions and world religions and associ- welcome them and their families into the life ate dean of theology at McAfee School of Minister of Youth: Inman First Baptist Church of the church. Candidates must have at least a Theology of Mercer University, effective (IFBC) of Inman, S.C., is seeking a full-time min- bachelor’s degree in education, human services, June 30. ister of youth. IFBC is a CBF/SBC congregation religion or a related field, and managerial or David Stuart will retire May 27 after 38 of approximately 350 active church members, internship experience in a church setting and give years as minister of music at First Baptist and affirms women in ministerial and church evidence of a personal call to ministry. Résumés Church of Jasper, Ga. leadership positions. A Master of Divinity degree and inquiries will be accepted until May 31 at and previous experience are preferred but not Personnel Committee, First Baptist Church, Andi Thomas Sullivan is executive direc- required. Candidates must have strong youth P.O. Box 938, Lumberton, NC 28359. tor of His Nets, a Christian response to the global malaria epidemic. The non-profit organization that she co-founded with her father provides long-lasting insecticidal bed Pat Anderson to lead during CBF transition nets to families primarily in Sub-Saharan ATLANTA (ABP) — The Cooperative with Vestal ensuring a smooth transition. Africa. A graduate of Furman University Baptist Fellowship’s officers and personnel The son of a Southern Baptist pastor- and Mercer’s McAfee School of Theology, committee have chosen former CBF mod- evangelist-director of missions, Anderson she is the daughter of former Baptist mis- erator Pat Anderson of Florida to serve as was born in Florida and earned a bachelor’s sionaries T and Kathie Thomas. BT the interim executive coordinator, begin- degree from Furman University, a master ning July 1. of divinity degree from Southwestern Anderson will assume the interim role Baptist Theological Seminary and a doc- Help your church come together around as Daniel Vestal retires on June 30. He was torate in criminology from Florida State the Bible! Gather ‘Round: Hearing and part of the initial movement to establish University. Sharing God’s Good News is the Bible the CBF, and the 1995 national moderator. He was a professor of criminology story-based curriculum that connects The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship at Florida Southern College, retiring as church and home. Gather ‘Round nur- of Florida was organized in the Anderson professor emeritus in 2011. He has been a tures children, youth and their families home in 1990, and he served as coordina- bi-vocational pastor and interim pastor in in becoming followers of Jesus – explor- tor until 2002 when he joined the national several churches. ing their faith and putting it into action. CBF as missions advocate. Currently serving as the editor of Find sample sessions, Bible outlines and Anderson will begin work at the Christian Ethics Today, Anderson has also more at gatherround.org. Order a free preview pack today! Fellowship on June 15 in order to overlap written several books. BT

16 | Information June lessons in this issue So Close, and Yet So Far

O Worship the King — Psalm 29 A King to Fight Our Battles — 1 Samuel 8:4-20 ™ A King in Waiting — 1 Samuel 15:34–16:13 Up and Down, In and Out — 1 Samuel 17:57–18:16

Bible study curriculum for adults and youth

Teaching resources at nurturingfaith.net

HOW TO USE THESE BIBLE STUDIES

1. Order a copy of Baptists Today news journal for EACH MEMBER of the class. The weekly lessons are found only here. 2. Teachers can go to nurturingfaith.net to access all opular Bible teacher and writer Tony W. Cartledge of the free resources needed for presentation. writes each of the weekly Bible studies in Baptists Today Teaching the Lessons (beginning on page 18). Themes are based on selected texts from the Revised Common Lectionary. After reading Tony Cartledge’s weekly Bible study P These lessons — found exclusively in this Nurturing Faith lessons starting on page 18, Sunday school teachers and other Bible leaders can access helpful teaching section of Baptists Today — form the foundation for the teaching resources (at no charge) at nurturingfaith.net. resources for all age groups. Each class participant should have These include: a copy of Baptists Today with these lessons in hand. Christian educator Rick Jordan of the Cooperative Baptist * Tony’s video overviews Fellowship of North Carolina provides a teaching plan for each * Adult teaching plans by Rick Jordan lesson, available at nurturingfaith.net. His FIT FAITH approach * Youth teaching plans by Jeremy Colliver to teaching allows for class engagement with the biblical texts * Tony’s “Digging Deeper” notes and ”The Hardest Question” as well as with one another. * Links to commentaries, multimedia The Youth Lessons — found on pages 22-23 — build off of resources and more Tony’s Bible studies and direct these biblical truths to the daily lives of students. Curriculum developer David Cassady writes the How to Order youth lessons in the news journal, and student minister Jeremy Bible Studies in Baptists Today are copyrighted and Colliver provides the online teaching guides for each lesson found not to be photocopied. at nurturingfaith.net (or linked from baptiststoday.org).

* Orders may be placed at baptiststoday.org or 1-877-752-5658. * The price is just $18 each for groups of 25 or more — for a full year — with no additional costs. Thanks sponsors! * All online teaching resources are available at no These Bible studies for adults and youth are sponsored through generous charge and may be printed and used by teachers of gifts from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (Bo Prosser, Coordinator of the Nurturing Faith Bible Studies. Congregational Life) and from the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation. Thank you!

© Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org | 17 Psalm 29

with Tony W. Cartledge

June 3, 2012 O Worship the King

Have you ever lived through a tornado, a hurricane or even a severe thunder- storm that lingered overhead? Major storms are both fearsome and danger- ous. Lightning, wind, flooding or a combination of all three can wreak widespread destruction, and there is nothing we can do to stop them. Hud- dling against the forces of nature, we can feel very small: severe storms are the most powerful things we will ever witness. It should come as no surprise, then, that the ancients would associate storms with the power of the gods. Polytheistic cultures usually identified one member of their pantheon as being in charge of the weather. Baal, particularly attrac- tive to the Israelites, was the Canaanite congregation on a Sabbath or festival or majesty. “The glory of his name” storm god. In ancient statuaries and day, leading the people in a song of suggests “the majesty of the LORD’s images, Baal is often pictured with a praise. reputation” (NET). lightning bolt in his hand. In the opening verse, the psalmist To worship the LORD “in holy The people of Israel did not hold to calls not only the gathered congregation splendor” could possibly mean “in holy a pantheon of separate gods in charge of to worship, but also dares to address the attire,” suggesting that one be properly storms, fertility, war, justice and other divine council, inviting the heavenly dressed for the occasion. The prior things commonly deified in polytheistic court to join in Israel’s praise, ascribing emphasis, however, has been on God societies. In their view, Yahweh was glorious attributes to Yahweh. rather than the worshiper, so the phrase Lord over everything. Notice the pattern: Three lines more likely refers to God’s splendor, Still, at different times, Israelite begin with the same word, “Ascribe,” beauty or majesty, indicating that one poetry might emphasize one aspect of leading to the more forceful call to is to worship the LORD who is clothed God’s power as a way of praising that “worship” in line four. The word trans- with holy splendor. In Ugaritic, the term divine attribute, or proclaiming the full- lated “ascribe” is a fairly rare synonym may mean “vision” or “appearance,” ness of God’s might. Such is the case for the more common word meaning “to which suggests a third option: “to wor- with Psalm 29. give.” In this context, it has the sense of ship the Lord in a vision of holiness.” “grant,” or possibly even “hail” (Robert A God who speaks with thunder A call to worship Alter, The Book of Psalms [Norton & (vv. 3-9) (vv. 1-2) Co., 2007], 99). The word translated “worship” literally means “to bow With v. 3 the psalmist praises The context of the psalm is clearly down” or “to prostrate one’s self.” God’s “voice” that is heard in thunder, worship, and we might imagine a priest And what is it about Yahweh that first “over the waters … over mighty or designated singer standing before the we should recognize? “Glory and waters.” On the most obvious level, strength,” and “the glory of his name.” one thinks of a thundercloud building Additional background information The root meaning of the word for offshore, visible for a great distance, online where you see the “Digging “glory” is “heaviness,” which leads booming over the ocean waves before Deeper” icon to the concepts of abundance, glory washing ashore. Land to the east of

18 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes Israel is mostly desert, so thunderstorms to an end with a concluding blessing in Israel typically come from the West, are available at or affirmation from the worship leader. sweeping in from the Mediterranean nurturingfaith.net The subject of each of the four lines Sea. is Yahweh. The first two lines declare Readers might also imagine the that Yahweh sits over the flood, as king large Sea of Galilee (13x8 miles) as the Thunder is the sound that lightning forever. locus of a storm. Storms on the Sea of makes, so it is not surprising that the There is no Hebrew referent for Galilee – located at 700 feet below sea psalmist connects God’s thundering “enthroned” – the text simply says that level – can produce huge waves and voice to “flames of fire” (v. 7). The Yahweh “sits” both over the flood and frightful conditions (witness the dis- NRSV’s “flashing forth” fails to cap- as king. To “sit as king” is to sit on a ciples’ fear in Luke 8:22-25). ture the full impact of the verb, which throne, however, so it is not a great The verse may have a more meta- normally means “chops” or “hacks,” stretch to translate the phrase as “sits phorical intent, however: the ancients and could be translated as “the LORD’s enthroned” in both lines, as the second thought of the sea as the great waters of shout strikes with flaming fire” (NET). is parallel to the first. chaos that had to be restrained by the This appropriately recalls the image of a The final stanza is written as a sim- gods. In one Canaanite story, for exam- fearsome lightning strike that accompa- ple affirmation in Hebrew, as reflected ple, Baal does bloody battle with Yam, nies the thunder. in most modern translations. Curiously, the god of the sea, to overcome him. When thunder and lightning are the NRSV translates the two verbs as The scriptures acknowledged booming overhead, the very ground precatives, as a twin entreaty asking Yahweh’s power to control the seas, seems to shake. Thus the uninhabited God to give strength to the people and especially in creation, where God’s wilderness, lacking large trees, simply bless them with peace. “shakes” in response to the LORD’s spirit brooded over the waters (Gen. While this may make interpretive resounding voice (v. 8). Since previ- 1:2), created a dome-like “firmament” sense, there is no firm grammatical ously mentioned locations (Lebanon, to separate the waters above from the justification for it. The verbs can be Sirion) were beyond the northern waters below (Gen. 1:6), then drew lim- translated as an ongoing action or as a reaches of Israel, the wilderness of its for the waters under the sea so that future one, but the psalmist reveals no Kadesh probably refers to an area in dry land might appear (Gen. 1:9-10). doubt that the Lord who rules the forces the north. Some argue, however, that So, while v. 3 may carry the of nature will grant strength to God’s the writer has in mind the southern visual image of a thunderstorm blow- people and bless them with peace. wilderness of Kadesh, more commonly ing in from the sea or a lake, it is also How do we read this psalm today? freighted with a reminder that Yahweh mentioned in the Old Testament. If that is correct, the psalmist’s intent Some might see in it a promise that the alone controls the waters of chaos and all-powerful God will provide perfect brings order to the world. would be to portray the mighty storm as sweeping across the entire nation, from protection for those who trust, but if so, The power of Yahweh’s thunder- they miss the point. The psalm reflects ing voice is the subject of vv. 4-9. The its northernmost to the southernmost the setting of a frightening storm – an cedars of Lebanon were known for their extremities. awe-inspiring manifestation of God’s towering strength, yet Yahweh’s voice The translation of v. 9 presents us power over creation, even the destruc- has the power to snap them like twigs with a conundrum, though it is clear tive forces of nature. (v. 5). Anyone who has observed the that the author’s purpose is to further God’s people will experience aftermath of a tornado, hurricane or illustrate God’s power as seen in the storms. The psalm itself is evidence of even a severe thunderstorm has seen tall storm. Though scholars may quibble that: the worshipers knew exactly how trees twisted and splintered. over the precise translation of certain troubling it could be to endure a violent The cedars of Lebanon give way phrases, the overriding imagery is clear: to the mountains of Lebanon in v. 6, God’s thunderous voice overpowers storm. They also knew what it was like along with Sirion, an alternate name for both land and people, leading all who to face storms of hunger and oppres- Mount Hermon, a northern peak from worship to say “Glory!” sion, of heartache and sorrow, of crime which the headwaters of the Jordan Note how the worshipers’ shout of and punishment. River flow. The writer draws on the “glory” in v. 9 harks back to the call to The psalmist knows this, and he imagery of large trees on the mountains ascribe to God “glory and strength” and declares that through all the storms shifting and dancing in the storm wind, “the glory of his name” in vv. 1-2. of life, we can trust in the God whose making it appear that the entire moun- power extends over all, the God in A closing word of praise tains are moving. Thus, he compares the whom we can find strength to endure (vv. 10-11) boisterous mountains to playful young the fiercest of storms and yet experience bovines that skip and play. The final two verses bring the psalm the blessing of peace. BT

LESSON FOR JUNE 3, 2012 | 19 1 Samuel 8:4-20

with Tony W. Cartledge

June 10, 2012 A King to Fight Our Battles

Leaders are important. Whether we think of organizations such as the church, busi- nesses with many employees, or entities as large as a nation, good leaders are essential for growth and health. In the midst of a long election sea- son, as Americans prepare to choose leaders ranging from county sheriff to the nation’s president, our text draws us , c. 1545. c. , back to Israel’s first foray into kingship. What did the people hope to accom- plish? Why did they want to have a king – and how would it turn out? We’ll discuss these and other ques- The Conversion of Saul Conversion The tions over the next several weeks, as we devote eight lessons to texts from

the narratives of 1-2 Samuel. Although Tintoretto, the stories may seem “long ago and far away,” we will discover they raise time- But who would lead when Samuel against its enemies. less issues that continue to touch human died? Samuel’s sons proved to be shy- All human reason, then, pointed life. sters, unworthy of the elevated names toward the clear logic of calling out Samuel had given them. As Samuel a king, but Samuel took immediate The elders’ desire grew old, a group of tribal leaders, offense: “the thing displeased Samuel” (vv. 4-6a) generally referred to as “the elders of (v. 6a). The old prophet/priest/judge Israel,” came to him with an observa- saw no need to challenge the theocratic As portrayed in the Bible, Israel tion and a request: ideal that Israel should be ruled by lived in a covenant arrangement with “You are old and your sons do not Yahweh alone, with judges or proph- God, with the 12 tribes functioning as follow in your ways; appoint for us, ets mediating God’s instructions and a a loose federation governed by God. then, a king to govern us, like other faithful priesthood as the guardian of Ideally, the Israelites had no king other nations” (v. 5). the law. than God, whose divine leadership was The elders’ request seemed emi- In Samuel’s mind, God had proven mediated through the inspired judges: nently reasonable. The tribes were quite capable of calling out divinely we might call it a “theocracy.” scattered across a large area, bound only inspired judges to lead the people in Samuel is regarded as the last of the by a loose federation. There was no times of national emergency. Had not judges, but he also served as Israel’s central government, no standing army, Samuel himself proved to be an effec- primary priest, and was known as a no system in place to protect the bor- tive leader as prophet, priest and judge? prophet. Though he rarely left the ter- ders. Meanwhile, peoples such as the Had not God responded to Samuel’s ritory of Benjamin and Judah, Samuel Philistines to the west and the Ammo- prayer and delivered Israel from the is described as having been highly nites to the east had strong leaders who Philistines in the battle of Mizpah regarded by all the tribes, at least as commanded well-equipped armies. If (1 Samuel 7)? The author sees the issue their spiritual leader. the tribes of Israel were to survive, the through Samuel’s eyes, and Samuel elders could argue, they would need a seems to have regarded the elders’ Additional background information strong leader with the authority to con- request as a personal rejection that online where you see the “Digging script an army, tax the people to equip failed to appreciate his leadership as Deeper” icon the troops, and lead the nation’s forces God’s spokesman.

20 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes The prophet’s warning warning the elders that there would be (vv. 6b-18) are available at no sympathy for them when life under a The story suggests that Samuel nurturingfaith.net king made them regret their choice and broke off the interview without giving come crying to God. an answer, retiring to take his concerns The people, however, paid no heed to God in prayer (v. 6b). We might sur- children could be conscripted and to the to Samuel’s warning (v. 19). Their mise that Samuel would have expected length of their service – conscripts for expression of determination to have a God to be equally upset and to unleash temple construction worked month-long king reinforced their logic in wanting a some sort of punishment on the upstart rotating shifts (1 Kgs. 5:13-14) – but king “so that we also may be like other elders, but the response is more compli- Samuel had no interest in tempering the nations, and that our king may govern cated than that. warning: his emphasis was on what the us and go out before us and fight our God recognized, as Samuel did, king would take. battles” (v. 20). that the people had rejected the ideal of The king’s acquisitions would go The Israelites were quite aware that divine leadership for the earthly model beyond human capital to include tan- neighboring nations profited from hav- of kingship. Even so, God offered com- gible property. Samuel insisted that the ing a centralized government under an fort to the vexed prophet, reminding king would confiscate “the best of your inspiring military leader who led his him that “they have not rejected you, fields and vineyards and olive orchards” own troops into battle. Having a king but they have rejected me from being for royal use in support of his “court- made perfect sense to them. king over them” (v. 7). iers” (v. 14). Samuel could see only the nega- The Israelites had a long history of Their demands would go beyond tive side of kingship, but the elders rebellion, God reminded him, from the property, however. Samuel claimed refused to hear anything but the positive days they emerged from Egypt to the that the king would also require a aspects. Samuel saw Israel’s demand present, forsaking Yahweh for other flat tax of 10 percent from the agrar- for a king as sinful rejection of God’s gods and forsaking God’s chosen lead- ian population’s produce, specifically way, while the people saw it as a realis- ers for their own ideas. grain and wine (v. 15), to support the tic need for changing times. Knowing the elders’ determina- administration. Perhaps the most amazing thing tion to choose a different path, God Stretching out the specifics for about this passage is the surprising grace, instructed Samuel to “listen to their maximum effect, Samuel added a warn- flexibility and generosity of God. As the voice” and give them a king – but not ing that male and female servants, in story unfolds, the Lord perceives that without a severe warning of what it addition to “the best of your cattle and the people have rejected “Plan A,” but would cost them in freedom, property donkeys,” would be taken from land- instead of writing them off, God remains and people (v. 9). owners and put to work serving the faithful and assents to “Plan B.” Since Samuel opposed Israel’s government (v. 16). God knew that a king who followed demand for a king, his warning empha- As if a tax on grain and wine were God’s way could be an effective leader sized the negative aspects of kingship not enough, Samuel promised that a who would bless the nation, but the as seen in the daily lives of the people. tenth of all the food-producing cattle and concentrated power of kingship could First, he said, the king would con- flocks would be taken, concluding “and also pose grave danger in the hands of a script both sons and daughters from the you shall be his slaves” (v. 17). The final wicked king. families of Israel. Young men would phrase, literally “you shall be servants There was potential for good or bad be taken from their chores at home for him,” was a reminder that the king – as there had been all along. God chose and trained for the military. Other would demand obedience and the people not to give up on the Israelites. Like a sons would be assigned to work in the would have to answer to him. loving parent who works hard to relate king’s fields or to manufacture weap- Having painted such a disheartening to his or her children on their own level, ons, armor and chariot equipment for picture, Samuel predicted the end result God was willing to meet the people of the army. Whatever their assignment, of Israel’s call for a king: “you will cry Israel where they were and to work with the young men would be removed from out because of your king, whom you them in whatever way was possible. their fathers’ control and put under have chosen for yourselves; but the Many years later, the gospels attest, the leadership of royal commanders or LORD will not answer you in that day” God would go to even greater lengths supervisors (vv. 11-12). (v. 18). to meet humankind on our own plane Daughters, likewise, would be sub- of existence. Through the incarnation ject to a levy, put to work in support of The people’s choice of Christ, God came to us, loved us, the king’s palace as “perfumers, cooks, (vv. 19-20) redeemed us, and taught us what it means and bakers” (v. 13). No doubt there In so many words, Samuel was to live in the one kingdom that ultimately would have been limits as to how many issuing an advance “I told you so,” and matters: the kingdom of God. BT

LESSON FOR JUNE 10, 2012 | 21 Youth lessons are made possible through the generous support of the Eula Mae and YouJune 3 — June 24, 2012 th John Baugh Foundation. The Voice JUNE 3

hat might the voice of God sound With the directions given, the psalmist Think About It: like? In movies, James Earl Jones moves into the heart of the psalm — begin- The psalmist used powerful images from Wand Morgan Freeman have been ning each new stanza with “The voice of the nature to describe God to the people because used for that voice. Some people thought it Lord...” You can almost hear, and most cer- they were a people of the land. What images was an enigma that Alanis Morrisette was tainly feel, the cadence of the worship leader might be used to describe the power of God to cast as God in the movie Dogma. Seeing who calling out the stanzas. Each new stanza sug- our current world? will play the role of God or provide “the voice” gests a comparison between God and one of of God can be intriguing. The psalmist of the forces of nature that surround the people. Make a Choice: Psalm 29 takes a very different route by com- God is more powerful than the waters of the The psalmist never claimed that God will paring the voice of God to powerful forces in seas, could break cedars and oaks, and act like take away the storms of life, but showed that nature. fl ames of fi re. The psalmist cries out that this God can give us peace while in them. You The psalmist begins his “song” with is one mighty God. can choose to take the peace God provides or instructions of what to do with the psalm: The psalmist ends this song about might choose your own comforts. What do you rely “Ascribe to the LORD.” Instead of ascribe, a and power with a word that God will bless on during the storms in your life? better word for us might be “give.” Worship the people with peace. Though the storms of is about giving to God, so this is a psalm of life will come, the hearer of this psalm fi nds worship. What are we to give in worship glory, peace knowing that God is greater. strength and holy splendor? Pray: God, we ask for your peace when we are not at peace and life’s storms rage around us.

Change at the Top JUNE 10 he passage for today reminds me of In response to Samuel’s prayer, God tells Think About It: what sometimes happens after a meet- Samuel to give the people what they want, God meets people where they are, even when ing of players in professional sports. The because it isn’t Samuel that they are deny- T they go wrong. God can bring good even out players don’t like the direction the team is ing, but God. So Samuel returns to the people of greedy choices his people make. What is headed, so they gather together to make sure and tells them exactly what God has told him a poor choice you have made that God has they are all on the same page: “It’s not our and the grim future that will lie ahead if they redeemed? fault; it is the fault of the coach.” To rectify choose to have a king. It’s similar to when the situation, the owner of the team sees that your parents let you do something you really the coach has lost control of the team and want to do, but they know you will regret Make a Choice: fi res the coach. later. We make choices daily. These choices often In our text for today, the elders gather Hearing Samuel’s warnings, the group boil down to choosing whether or not to together and determine that Samuel’s sons gathers again. When they come out of their follow the will of God. What goes into the are not as adept at being judges as Samuel. meeting, they tell Samuel: “We’ve heard your choices you make on a daily basis? The 12 tribes loosely joined together under warnings, but we still want a king.” You can Samuel want to be united under one king see Samuel shaking his head as he goes to the after Samuel is gone. Samuel isn’t thrilled LORD to report what the group has told him. Pray: with their decision, so he goes to the LORD in The LORD says to let them have their king. Ask that you might make choices that lead to prayer to fi gure out what needs to be done. building up the kingdom of God in all you do.

22 | Youth David Cassady and Jeremy Colliver

Redo! JUNE 17

n the playground you might call a of Saul as king. God asks Samuel how long Think About It: “redo” when you aren’t happy with he is going to grieve over Saul and then tells The spirit of the LORD rested on David from Ohow you played the fi rst time and you him the fi x to his situation will be found at the day of his anointing forward. What might know you could do better. In golf you can the house of Jesse. So Samuel takes his horn it be like to know that the spirit of the LORD take a mulligan. In video games you can go of oil and travels to Jesse’s house. rested with you? back to a checkpoint. Some gracious teach- When Samuel arrives, Jesse parades all ers will even let you redo an assignment or of his sons out for Samuel. God tells Samuel retake a test. In our passage for today, God not to look outwardly, but at the heart of also calls for a redo. each son. Not one of the sons that Jesse Make a Choice: Remember the setting for today’s pas- introduces to Samuel is the one God has cho- If you read 1 Samuel 13, you will see that the sage: The leaders ask Samuel for a king. sen, so Samuel asks if there is another. Jesse new king from the house of Jesse would in Samuel warns them what it will be like to sends for David from the fi eld. fact be “a man after his (God’s) own heart.” have a king. God tells Samuel to give the When David arrives, God tells Samuel How does your heart strive for God? people what they want. Samuel anoints Saul this is the one he is to anoint. With the as the king. Saul turns out to be a terrible anointing, the spirit of the LORD comes king — so terrible that God says, “I am sorry upon David from that day forward. God has to have made Saul king.” led Samuel to a wonderful “redo” for the Pray: Samuel is disappointed with the choice situation. Ask God to help you recognize his Spirit resid- ing with you, seeing that God is with you.

It’s Complicated JUNE 24

heck out the Timeline for some of your The act of Saul’s own son covenanting Think About It: friends on Facebook. If you were to with David along with the mounting heroics It couldn’t be easy for Saul, knowing that the Cdescribe what you read on Timeline, of David (that the people notice) begin to people loved David more than him. How do the easiest way to describe it might be “com- change Saul’s favor of David into envy. Saul you think that complicated the relationship plicated.” The passage for this lesson serves turns into a crotchety king; he’s fi nished with between Saul and David? as a kind of timeline for Saul, and in particu- David. It looks like envy, but the text reveals lar focuses on his relationship with David. it is an evil spirit from God that has taken As the passage begins, Saul is elated hold of Saul. This turn of Saul’s character Make a Choice: with David because David has returned causes Saul to throw a spear at David two We can choose to be like Saul and abuse the times — trying to pin David to the wall. It with the head of Goliath. Saul captures the powers God has granted us or be loyal to God momentum of David’s victory and keeps him doesn’t work, so Saul removes David from his as David was. How do you live so that you in his service, not even letting him return presence and makes him the leader of armies choose the path of David instead of the path to his father’s house. Saul continues to again. of Saul? use David as a war hero, sending him into With David at a safe distance again, battle, and each time David returns the vic- Saul is in awe at the man David has become. tor. It is also during this time when Saul’s The people are falling in love with David as Pray: son Jonathan and David are bound together. well, because he is the one who is leading Ask that you might live a life loyal to God, Jonathan covenants with David to be in his their victories. avoiding envy and jealousy. service.

Youth | 23 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13

with Tony W. Cartledge

June 17, 2012 A King in Waiting

Have you ever made a decision that you later regretted? Few of us could answer “No” to that question. We’ve all made choices we wish we could change. Can you imagine, however, that God could make a decision and later regret it? The biblical writers believed it happened. The first occurrence is found in Genesis 6, just before the story of the flood. When God saw that humans had grown so wicked that “every inclina- tion of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually” the narrator says, “the LORD was sorry that he had made humankind on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart” (Gen. 6:5-6). possibility that the king would prove to not to go into battle before he came to Such regret led God to intentionally be an abysmal failure. offer sacrifices, but then Samuel delayed “hit the delete key,” as one of my favor- To reinforce his theological agenda, so long that the soldiers started deserting. ite preachers once described it. the narrator highlights Saul’s failures In desperation, Saul offered the sacrifice Today’s lesson poses a similar while minimizing his successes. The himself, earning a tongue-lashing from conundrum, though on a more individual record does mention significant accom- the old priest, who said God had rejected scale: What would God do about Saul? plishments for Saul: 1 Sam. 11:1-11 him and would choose “a man after his Saul’s rejection describes a resounding victory over the own heart” (1 Sam. 13:8-15). (15:34-35) Ammonites, for example, and a short The final straw fell when Samuel summary in 1 Sam. 14:47-48 says Saul instructed Saul to engage the Amale- Last week’s lesson (1 Samuel 8) “did valiantly” in striking against the kites, a tribal people who often troubled detailed how the elders of Israel asked Ammonites, the Edomites, the people the Israelites, and to exterminate them for a king, and why Samuel opposed the of Zobah, and the Philistines, saying completely. Saul won a resounding vic- idea. God instructed Samuel to grant the “wherever he turned he routed them.” tory, but left many Amalekites alive, people’s request, but not before warn- When David composed an elegy for including the king. Samuel was so ing them of the consequences of their Saul after his death, he credited Saul perturbed that he raged at Saul again actions. with enriching the nation, presum- (1 Sam. 15:22-23), refused to accept Samuel’s warning dealt mainly ably through plundering others he had Saul’s plea for forgiveness, and insisted with the king’s ability to conscript men defeated (2 Sam. 1:24). that God would tear the kingdom away and women for royal service, to seize The narrator, however, is more inter- and give it to “a neighbor of yours, who private land for his own use, and to ested in Saul’s deficiencies. In the story is better than you” (1 Sam. 15:28). demand taxes needed to support the describing how Samuel first anointed One might be tempted to think new government. Saul, his servant appears to be more on that Samuel, who opposed the notion Samuel did not mention the top of things than he (1 Sam. 9:1-10:13). of kingship from the start, would have After Samuel chose Saul by lot and pro- found some satisfaction in the king’s Additional background information claimed him king, we are told that some disappointing performance. The text online where you see the “Digging people refused to support him insists, however, that Samuel grieved Deeper” icon (1 Sam. 10:27). Samuel once told Saul over Saul, using an intensive form of

24 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes the verb “to mourn” (15:35a). youngest son to care for the sheep, the While Samuel expressed sorrow are available at old prophet angrily instructed him to over Saul, we are told, Yahweh regret- nurturingfaith.net send for him, and refused to let any- ted having chosen Saul: “And the one sit down while they waited for his LORD was sorry that he had made Saul arrival (16:11). king over Israel” (15:35b, NRSV). As scowling Samuel, Jesse, his intentions, having come to offer a sac- sons, and the heifer wait, the reader Samuel’s commission rifice. He invited all of the elders to go also waits. While skillfully building (16:1-5) and ritually consecrate themselves, then suspense, the narrator also leads us to Saul failed and Samuel grieved, return to share the sacrificial meal with imagine that David might be inordi- but God knew that life must go on – a him. nately small or ugly, since God had lesson that all people who face loss or Whether the elders returned or insisted that outer appearances didn’t disappointment must learn. The text not, we do not know: they disappear matter. We are surprised, then, when assumes that God spoke to Samuel on from the story. Only Jesse and his sons David appears and the storyteller gushes a regular basis, and vv. 1-3 record an remain, and Samuel consecrated them at how handsome he is. active conversation between the two. personally (16:5). David’s complexion was ruddy, the With a verbal kick in the pants, author tells us, suggesting he had fair Yahweh told Samuel to stop crying over David’s selection skin that allowed one to see a blush in Saul and travel to Bethlehem, where (16:6-13) his cheeks. Then he adds that David had God intended to identify a certain son of The narrator takes clear delight beautiful eyes, and was handsome (liter- Jesse — presumably a “man after God’s in the unfolding drama of how David ally, “a good appearance,” 16:12a). own heart” — so Samuel could anoint was chosen as the next king. As Jesse The young man’s appearance was him as the next king (16:10). brought his sons forward, oldest first, only a bonus, however. There was For Samuel, however, there was a Samuel appeared to have thought his something special inside of David that problem: the old king was still alive and job was done. Eliab, whose name means only God could see, and so Samuel well — and probably steaming over the “My God is Father,” was so impres- sensed God’s direction: “This is the public berating Samuel had given him. sive that Samuel surmised “Surely the one: arise and anoint him!” (16:12b). While Saul’s popular support lay among LORD’S anointed is now before the We may imagine how Samuel drew the northern tribes, Bethlehem was in LORD” (16:6). out a polished ram’s horn filled with the territory of Judah, where the popu- Perhaps Eliab was physically olive oil mixed with aromatic spices, lace was more suspicious of the king. impressive – but that had not helped and poured it over David’s head so that Thus, Samuel expressed dismay. Saul, who was notably tall (1 Sam. it ran through his dark curly hair, cas- He knew that if Saul heard he had gone 10:23-24). God was judging by dif- caded down his face, and puddled in the to Bethlehem, the king might think ferent standards, and Samuel was just folds of his tunic. Samuel was fomenting rebellion against learning to understand. “Do not look As the anointing oil brought a shine him, and have him killed. To ease Sam- on his appearance or on the height of to David’s face, the text suggests an uel’s fear, Yahweh told him to take a his stature,” the Lord said to Samuel, inner glow was emerging in David’s young heifer with him: if anyone ques- “because I have rejected him; for the heart: “The Spirit of the Lord came tioned his motives, he could insist that LORD does not see as mortals see; they mightily upon David,” the narrator says, God had sent him to offer a sacrifice. look on the outward appearance, but the “from that day forward” (v. 13). Years Neither King Saul nor the people of LORD looks on the heart” (16:7). would pass before David would become Bethlehem could argue with that (16:2). Eliab was not chosen, despite his king indeed, but God’s Spirit would be Samuel obeyed, and as he firstborn status and his impressive with him every step of the way. approached Bethlehem, he learned that appearance. Nor was the next son, We learned in 1 Sam. 13:14 that the local elders were just as suspicious Abinadab, or the next one, Shammah. God intended to choose a new king after of him as Saul might have been. Per- Samuel watched Jesse parade no less God’s own heart. Later, Paul insisted haps they feared that Samuel had come than seven sons before him without so that David fit the bill (Acts 13:22). to spy out the land or report unfriendly much as a holy poke in the ribs to indi- Think for a bit about the implica- activities to Saul. Thus the first question cate God’s choice (16:8-10). tions of that phrase. What do you think of his “welcoming committee” was “Do Knowing that he had followed it means to be a person who is “after you come peaceably?” (16:3-4). God’s instructions to the letter, Samuel God’s heart”? How do you see this With his excuse for travel stand- pressed Jesse, asking if he had brought illustrated in young David’s life? ing calmly at the end of a short halter, all of his sons to the sacrifice. When And do you think others would ever Samuel insisted that he had peaceful Jesse admitted that he had left the apply that description to you? BT

LESSON FOR JUNE 17, 2012 | 25 1 Samuel 17:57-18:16

with Tony W. Cartledge

June 24, 2012 Up and Down, In and Out

Relationships: it’s hard to live without them, but sometimes it seems hard to live with them, too. We’ve all known what it is to be in a relationship that shifts from warm to cool, or hot to cold, from comfortable to awkward. David was amazingly gifted with relationships. Saul, sadly, was not. There were times when Saul loved David, and times when he hated him. There were times when he admired him, and times when he feared him. There were times when Saul wanted David close, and times when he wanted him dead.

Saul drafts David (17:57-58; 18:2, 5) felt about David. His decision seems to him as his own soul” (18:1). have been a practical matter: we learned This is a bit awkward, for we know Careful readers of 1 Samuel may in 14:52 that “when Saul saw any strong nothing of previous contact between note that the narratives occasionally or valiant warrior, he took him into David and Jonathan. Was Saul’s son so appear choppy and repetitive. For service.” taken with David on the basis of his vic- example, 1 Samuel includes three differ- Drafting Goliath’s conqueror would tory over Goliath alone, or did the two ent accounts of how Saul met David, all have been a no-brainer, and David of them have more of a history? The text apparently for the first time. This is prob- proved so successful in battle that Saul implies that it happened quickly, “When ably due to the biblical editor/author’s “set him over the army” (18:5, NRSV). David had finished speaking to Saul.” intertwining of multiple source docu- This probably suggests a division of The word translated as “soul” ments, including some that told the same troops rather than the entire army, but appears three times in a single verse. stories from different perspectives. clearly earned Saul praise for having The Hebrew term is nephesh, and it is Our text for today follows on the made an excellent choice. not equivalent to the Greek notion of heels of David’s victory over Goliath. the soul as something entirely separate Abner, Saul’s military commander, Jonathan loves David from the body. Hebrew thought was brought David (still carrying Goliath’s (18:1, 3-4) more holistic and did not distinguish head) to the king. When Abner pre- Chapter 18 begins a thematic section between a physical body and a spiritual sented David to Saul, he was introduced that extends through the remainder of soul: the term nephesh referred to a for the third time (17:57-58). 1 Samuel, a galloping sequence of stories living person’s entire being. Saul was so impressed with David that chronicle Saul’s love-hate relation- Jonathan’s feelings and actions that he took him into his permanent ship with David. Much of the section toward David were not improper, but service “and would not let him return finds Saul in pursuit of David, while his they did have serious political implica- to his father’s house” (18:2). Unlike valiant and loyal subject relies on both tions. The text declares that Jonathan the account in 16:14-23, these verses wits and relationships to stay alive. and David made a covenant bond with say nothing of what Saul might have The first verse is written, however, each other, which Jonathan marked by as a continuation of the previous chap- giving to David his own robe, his armor Additional background information ter: “When David had finished speaking and even his weapons (18:3-4). This online where you see the “Digging to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound covenant gift of his royal regalia seems Deeper” icon to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved to be an obvious symbol of Jonathan’s

26 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted by Baptists Today. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Order at: baptiststoday.org Resources to teach adult and youth classes willingness to hand over to David even pleading diminished capacity: Saul was his right to the throne after Saul’s death. are available at angry and suspicious on his own, but Word of this bond would surely nurturingfaith.net only tried to spear David when the evil have gotten to Saul, whose paranoia spirit came upon him. would have seen it as a conspiracy The reference to the evil spirit com- against him. Indeed, the Hebrew word While Saul sat in the palace and ing upon Saul recalls 16:13-14, where used to indicate that the souls of Jona- gave orders, it was David who led the we were told that God’s spirit had been than and David were “bound” together people into battle and fought on their withdrawn from Saul, even as it rushed (qashar) can also mean “conspired.” behalf. Saul had the crown and the title, upon David. This is further reflected David and Jonathan did not in fact but it was David who acted like a king. in 18:12, which tells us that Saul conspire against Saul, but the king had feared David because he knew this had reason to be wary of David, for it would Saul fears David happened. soon become obvious to all that David (18:8-15) Saul distanced himself from his would make a more effective king than Saul knew this, of course. He could imagined foe by putting David in Saul. see the tide of popular opinion turn- charge of a thousand-man division and ing toward David. Imagine how he then sending him into battle (18:13). Israel admires David would have responded upon hearing the The king may have had an additional (18:6-7, 16) women sing “Saul has killed his thou- motive in this, hoping that David would Initially, it was a feather in Saul’s sands, and David his ten thousands!” die in battle — a strategy spelled out in cap that “all the people, including the While both figures were hyperbolic, more detail a short time later (18:25). servants of Saul” approved of his deci- the 10:1 ratio clearly portrayed David Saul’s plan backfired, however. sion to set David over the “men of war” as more heroic than Saul. The disparity David obeyed Saul’s orders and led his (18:5), but Saul’s pleasure quickly was not lost on the king, who responded troops into dangerous battle, but always foundered on the shoals of David’s with anger and suspicion (18:8a). marched back in victory with an even rousing success. Saul appears to have assumed that bigger reputation and the people ever David was not only a brave and David’s personal achievements and more enamored with him. Saul could brilliant military leader, but also char- public acclaim would fuel royal ambi- only “stand in awe” before David, but ismatic and, as we recall from 16:12, tions. Projecting his own insecurity onto “all Israel and Judah loved David” good looking. He became immensely David – who had shown nothing but because he was the one who acted like a popular with the people, especially so loyalty to Saul – the king asked, “What king (18:15). with the women who traditionally came more can he have but the kingdom?” What might this text say to modern out to greet victorious soldiers as they (18:8b). readers? It is unlikely that we will lead came through towns and villages on Like any good storyteller, the nar- troops into combat or make kings inse- their return from battle. rator does not tell us that Saul was cure with our sterling reputations, but As David and Saul traveled together suspicious, but shows us by describing we all know how self-focused jealousy on their return from the battle in which his actions: “So Saul eyed David from and backstabbing practices can threaten David had killed Goliath, the women that day on” (18:9). But Saul did both personal relationships and larger sang “Saul has killed his thousands, and more than keep a close watch on David: organizations. Should we pattern our David his ten thousands” (18:7). This he tried to kill him. Rather than capital- behavior after Saul’s mistrusting abuse may have become a traditional chorus, izing on David’s success, Saul sought to of power, or his brave subject’s loyalty? sung whenever David returned from the eliminate him as a rival. Twice in a day, In Saul and David we also see a various forays on which Saul had sent the narrator says, the king “raved within clear contrast between one who bears the him: even the Philistines knew of it his house” and threw his spear at David name, and one who does the work. Most (1 Sam. 29:5). as he played the harp for him (18:10- people who gather for Bible study are Why did David become so popu- 11). David managed to dodge both known by the name “Christian.” Are we lar? It was because he was doing what attempts. any more faithful in living for the king- the people had sought a king to do: “to The narrator is careful to say dom than Saul was in living as king? go out before us and fight our battles” that Saul’s raving attempts at murder [For further reading: Tony W. Car- (8:20). The final verse in today’s text occurred after “an evil spirit from the tledge, 1-2 Samuel (Macon, GA: Smyth echoes that same language, and not by LORD rushed upon him” (for more & Helwys, 2001), 205; Hans Wilhelm accident: on this, see “The Hardest Question” Hertzberg, I & II Samuel (Philadelphia: “But all Israel and Judah loved online). It’s almost as if the author is Westminster Press, 1964), 141; P. Kyle David; for it was he who marched out torn between whether to blame Saul McCarter, I Samuel (Garden City, NJ: and came in leading them” (18:16). altogether, or to ameliorate his guilt by Doubleday, 1980), 280.] BT

LESSON FOR JUNE 24, 2012 | 27 Adventures with Luler Kelly Belcher the Hound The Bow-Wow magine you are going for a mountain hike with your dog Luler says to spend Pentecost Luler, and you get lost as night is falling. You come upon sharing the great idea. Welcome a group of campers around a warm fire, but they do not newcomers, new neighbors, speak English; they speak a di!erent language and you can’t new students and strangers at church by showing hospitality. I understand them. You feel frustrated, alone, and a little bit scared. But then Luler barks, runs around the campers, and one by one, they laugh and pet her, smiling, giving her belly scratches as she prances among them. You realize they are friendly, and it’s safe to stay with them. What a relief! The strangers gathered at Pentecost suddenly felt connected by God’s spirit just like this. The Spirit gave them the great idea that they were not separate, but one. It’s as if dancing light bulbs appeared over their heads. It was such a good idea! The last Sunday of May was Pentecost Sunday, a word that means “50” because it’s 50 days after Easter. Now we are in the season of Pentecost, the last of the six seasons of the church year. The next season, Advent, won’t start until December 2.

??? The Idea Box Memorize the six seasons of the church year: 1 Advent 2 Christmas 3 Epiphany 4 Lent 5 Easter 6 Pentecost

More Online: Jump online at nurturingfaith.net to discover weekly ideas for children’s leaders.

28 | Children Suzanne Collins Media The Hunger Games By Dick Staub, %/1.4.$( (/5" "/%9.0/

Why we’re hungry for The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games has sold 26 million copies and is the first young-adult book to sell a million copies on Kindle. When it was released in the- aters on March 23, the film version broke box office records for a new non-sequel release. eople who know only the basic plot are asking why the series is so popular. The PHunger Games is, after all, a dark story set in a post-apocalyptic future, featuring 24 teenagers who are released into the wild with a mandate to kill or be killed until just one is left standing. Like characters in reality TV, these killer teens are televised for the entertainment of an Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks, left) and Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in The Hunger Games. elite and pampered audience. A game master Photo credit: Murray Close introduces dramatic elements — forest fires, mutant attack dogs — to keep the games excit- that’s being devoured by a generation raised Neil Postman’s Amusing Ourselves to Death, ing. Bets are placed on winners and losers, and on situation ethics. The cynical citizens of The Hunger Games reveals the dark side of sponsorships are provided for the audience’s the capital say, “May the odds be ever in your a society whose minds and consciences are favorite teenage warriors. favor” about a game in which the odds are numbed by amusements. These gladiatorial games are the inven- 24 to 1 that you will be killed. Before it collapsed, the Roman Empire tion of a tyrannical government that seeks to Neither Katniss Everdeen the heroine, nor offered the spectacle of humans killing humans suppress any attempted uprisings within a Peeta Mellark, her teammate, wants to take in Coliseums. Ironically The Hunger Games war-ravaged North America, where the hard human life, and as the last two survivors, both movie puts viewers in the stands of today’s labor of citizens on the outskirts sustain the seek an alternative to killing the other. In the Coliseum, the movie theater, as we are amused pampered lifestyle of the capital city. end, both eschew their self-interests by helping by a story about a sick culture whose entertain- The Hunger Games books are wildly each other. ment mirrors our own. popular — and controversial. The American Second, The Hunger Games celebrates the As one character says, “If no one watches, Library Association ranks it fifth on the list of heroic efforts of a few who inspire hope for then they don’t have a game.” most banned books for 2010, mostly because the many. Like the young Theseus in Greek Finally, The Hunger Games is a love story of parental complaints that the books are sexu- mythology, who overthrew decadent politi- for a generation trying to distinguish between ally explicit and violent. cal and religious powers to establish Athens, love and friendship. Harry Potter, Twilight and Author Suzanne Collins said she con- underdogs Katniss and Peeta set out to beat now The Hunger Games each feature a triangle ceived of The Hunger Games one night as she the system. of friends in which friendship and romance flipped television channels from teenagers on a They raise hope in the enslaved districts become intertwined, and the central character reality TV to teenagers serving in the Iraqi war. and concerns in the capital. President Snow must make a choice for love. It’s all juvenile She couldn’t shake this jarring juxtaposition. warns the game master, “Hope, it is the only fiction, but it makes you think. The themes are So does the popularity of The Hunger thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effec- big and dark, and the stakes are high — some- Games offer good news for those of us con- tive, a lot of hope is dangerous.” thing like real life. BT cerned about American civilization and the Third, The Hunger Games is a searing, younger generation? I say yes, for a few angry commentary that exposes our entertain- —Dick Staub is author of About You: reasons. ment culture as a diversion from the injustices Fully Human and Fully Alive First, The Hunger Games is a morality tale and superficiality of contemporary life. Like and blogs at dickstaub.com.

Perspective | 29 “We stay focused on the church being about three things: reaching persons with the gospel, helping Christians grow, and doing the work of the Kingdom of God.” Pastoral perspectives

ZEBULON, N.C. — Jack Glasgow congregational life. From Jack Glasgow As a result, we have some pastors who are came to Zebulon Baptist Church east great at leading the staff and use the same lead- Zebulon Baptist Church, of Raleigh in 1977 as assistant pas- ership approach in leading the laity with much Zebulon, N.C. less success. We also have leaders with great tor for youth and education. He has instincts for congregational leadership who use served as pastor since 1981. the same leadership style with the staff with poor results. n Atlanta native, he received a degree It seems the very recognition that lead- in economics from Georgia Tech ing a congregation and its laity and leaders is A before attending Southeastern Baptist quite different from leading a staff of ministers Theological Seminary. and support personnel could prove helpful in He served as the moderator of the improving pastoral leadership. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in 2009-2010, and is a current member of the CBF executive BT: Can you identify a couple of the coordinator search team. biggest challenges in pastoral minis- try today and share how you and your BT: How would you briefly describe congregation are facing them? your leadership style as a pastor? putting up ideas that come from a group and then helping the group clarify priorities Glasgow: One great challenge is the budget- Glasgow: First, I would describe my leadership and plan strategies for implementing those ing of resources. The economic and cultural style as evolving and flexible. It has evolved priorities. realities of our time have left only a handful of because people and times change. It is also flex- I also try to lead by building consensus for congregations flush with resources. ible because persons and groups respond very ideas. I have learned to resist my own need to Most are dealing with economic reali- differently to varying leadership styles. make everyone happy and instead simply try to ties that force them to make choices between In my early ministry, much of my lead- build strong and supportive consensus for what ministry programs and missions, between local ership had been shaped in the management we will do. missions and missions abroad, between fund- courses I took at Georgia Tech and in classes My spiritual gift that really defines my ing mission work done by your own members [taught] by Dr. Bob Dale at Southeastern approach to ministry is exhortation; I use that and mission work done by ministry partners, Seminary. Also, I was taught by a good gift as a leader to encourage persons in the between improving facilities or living with mentoring pastor, Dr. Charles Edwards. church to be committed to spiritual growth what you have, and between employing more Those learned and observed principles and effective ministry. staff ministers and interns or saving those and strategies were helpful, and so much still Finally, I try to lead by example. Through funds for ministry and mission expenses. applies to my ministry today. hard work, commitment, enthusiasm and Our congregation is responding to this In later years I have gained greater wis- passion for ministry I hope to inspire and challenge by taking it head on, by talking dom about and the capacity for adapting my encourage others. I believe these four words — about our priorities, by being balanced in our leadership style to fit the situation and per- collaboration, consensus, encouragement and conversations so that we can see both sides of sonalities involved. But there remain certain example — best describe my leadership style. an argument for funding, by encouraging our tendencies that characterize my leadership And I have a growing awareness that current generation to grow in their stewardship style. the leadership required to lead a congrega- of resources and in their generosity while at the One is collaboration. I enjoy leading tion is different than the leadership required same time challenging the widespread materi- groups in the church to think of ideas and for effective staff leadership. I am not sure alism and self-centeredness of our culture. possibilities. I am at my best at a white board we have recognized this difference enough in We stay focused on the church being

EDITOR’S NOTE: In this new series, experienced pastors are asked the same seven questions about the important and sometimes misunderstood work they provide in congregational leadership and care. The monthly feature is designed to help pastors learn from one another and to give others greater insight into the multi-faceted work of pastors in changing times.

30 | Feature about three things: reaching persons with the In the last several years I have changed connection to the Baptist World Alliance grows gospel, helping Christians grow, and doing the that approach and have become much more in its importance to our church family. work of the Kingdom of God. If we stay true hands-on in working with youth. The benefits Locally, intentional partnership with to those things, we can present a case for giv- have been remarkable. The youth see me very Zebulon First Baptist Church, a predominantly ing that people will believe in and support. and much as their pastor and friend. They teach African-American congregation, has meant we will find a way to allocate those gifts in a me so much about pop culture, post-modernity much to our church family. Through joint manner that strengthens the congregation and and about their generation. And the church Operation Inasmuch ministry and joint wom- the work of the church in the world. senses that the more I engage with the youth, en’s ministry, a strong bond of friendship has The second challenge is simply to help the more my own vitality as a Christian and been forged in the last decade that is good for Christians grow their faith. The functional or preacher seems increased. our churches and a good witness to our com- practical atheism talked about today is real. I believe we made a mistake to move munity. We are comfortable partnering with Persons believe in God, they want youth ministry to a peripheral concern of pas- a broad ecumenical community locally. This to believe in God, they try to be “good tors. I respect the role youth ministers play willingness has surprised some who were not Christians,” and they go through all the in the church, but I now see a need to pastor accustomed to as much openness and accep- motions of church life. But, so many experi- youth and children just as much as adults. I tance from a Baptist congregation. ence an emptiness that is pervasive and too believe this shift is important in helping the often uncomfortable to talk honestly about in church become more relevant to the lives of BT: How do you keep a balanced life the church. younger generations. I just wish I had come to that allows for personal time and A real sense of experiencing the pres- this awareness sooner. study while being accessible to your ence of God escapes so many Christians. The congregation? church has to help. BT: Are denominational identity Our church identifies seven “roots” of and engagement important to you? Glasgow: Truthfully, not very well sometimes. spiritual growth: Bible study, worship, prayer, To your congregation? How do you There are some long hours worked. There are Christian friendship, ministry and service, engage with other churches, and times when studying takes place in the late stewardship, and faith sharing. We are continu- what value does that bring? hours of the night rather than during normal ally trying to help pilgrims on the spiritual work times. journey to strengthen their root system to Glasgow: Those who know anything about me Yet, I don’t want to sound like I am com- experience authentic growth that comes from know that denominational identity is impor- plaining. I want members to call on me when God at work in their lives. tant to me and to Zebulon Baptist Church. they need me. And, I recognize how hard my I am not interested in investing my life The church has wanted me to be involved in members work at their jobs, yet faithfully in a ministry that only desires to get people to the leadership and work of the Cooperative attend church on Sundays and Wednesdays and come to church and say they believe in God. I Baptist Fellowship as much as possible. attend deacon meetings or engage in commit- want their experience to be real and relational. Several laypersons have been effective tee work or other volunteer ministry. I want to help them to live out that kind leaders in CBF life in North Carolina and on Being a graduate of Georgia Tech my col- of vibrant faith of encounter with a holy God. the national level. Our introductory material lege friends are engineers, scientists, managers That is increasingly a challenge, but it is a given to prospective members makes it known and architects. They work incredibly hard at challenge worthy of our best efforts. that we are committed to participation in the doing their jobs well. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. I do take more time now for walking and BT: What do you know now that Identifying with CBF has been helpful to rest in the mornings since ministry requires you wish you had known earlier our congregation. In worship style, ordination, night and weekend work. So I often start my as a pastor? calling practices and so many other aspects of day with enjoying the newspaper and coffee, church life, Zebulon Baptist Church is quite breakfast and devotional with my wife Barbara Glasgow: I started my work at Zebulon Baptist different from most Baptist churches in our (who is our minister of music and senior 34 years ago while a seminary student as area. Our affiliation helps to explain that adults) and a three-mile walk together before a half-time associate minister with respon- difference to our community. I get to the office. I have learned that since I sibilities in youth and children’s ministries, CBF is important to us because we want to know I am often going to finish my work late, education and pastoral assistance. I loved be connected to a global mission endeavor. The I at least can start the day at a slower pace. those youth and my work with them. stories of life-changing, life-giving ministry that We love going to local high school events, Four years later I became the pastor, and come from CBF missionaries and volunteers support Georgia Tech and East Carolina for most of the next 20 years or so left youth inspire our congregation and link us to the mis- sports, go to Hurricanes hockey and Mudcats ministry in the hands of capable staff minis- sion field through our praying and our giving. baseball, see movies almost every off day, enjoy ters. I still loved the youth, but spent most of And, we enjoy the fellowship experienced in our Broadway theater, shop, and go to restaurants. my time with adults. gatherings with CBF Baptists. In recent years Life is really good.

Feature | 31 BT: Every church member knows “I am not interested in exactly the right time for scheduling worship and the proper format of investing my life in a min- the service. The problem, of course, istry that only desires to get is that these are as different as the people. How do you, as a pastoral people to come to church leader, plan worship with such varied and say they believe in God. expectations? I want their experience to be Glasgow: Thankfully that is not a big problem real and relational.” for us at Zebulon Baptist. Worship is well attended and appreciated by members and guests alike. communion — they never cease to amaze me It is liturgical worship. It is evangelical. in the summer we experiment with less for- and inspire me. We sing hymns. We intersperse other forms mal styles of worship and have some fun with I love people, and love helping them at of music. We work hard on our worship. It is that — more contemporary style worship in key life moments. Strange as it may seem, creative and dynamic. the fellowship hall, outdoor worship in the I love the funerals. I am sad for the grief of Our musicians are wonderful, and our courtyard, emergent worship ideas especially family and friends and am as angry as anyone choir is faithful and terrific. The architecture in special services at Thanksgiving and on when circumstances of a death are cruel and of the worship space supports the worship Maundy Thursday. unfair. Yet, to have the privilege to weave a style. The laity worship teams are helpful and human story with the God story of our faith in collaborative and do a great job of improving BT: What keeps you coming back for such a way that seems seamless to comfort the the aesthetic dimensions of worship in each more? grieving and bring smiles and tears all at the liturgical season. same time is to stand on holy ground. We have a blue team for Advent and Glasgow: Love and belief. I love the church, I believe in what I do. From my baptism Christmastide until Lent begins, a purple team Zebulon Baptist Church, but also all churches at Moreland Avenue Baptist Church in Atlanta for Ash Wednesday through Pentecost Sunday, of different shapes and sizes, denominations to my ordination at Briarlake Church to my and a green team for the remainder of the and worship styles. Ask me to preach a revival ministry here, I have believed in the goodness year in ordinary time. We share suggestions or lead a deacon retreat or teach a Bible study, and grace of God in Christ. I have believed in for change with those teams, and they work and it won’t take me long to love your church the church — its worship, its fellowship and its through the process of making worship deci- too. mission. sions well. I love the Lord and am so very pleased God still blesses me with testimonies of We believe we worship well at Zebulon to have been called to ministry. Teaching persons whose lives have been touched by the Baptist Church in a style that is right for our and preaching do not get old for me — even ministry of the church — a sermon that spoke congregation. Yet we keep trying to improve our though I have done it in the same place for to a heart or mind, an act of kindness that worship but remain true to our style and readily more than 30 years. Advent and Christmas, made a difference in a life, a word of grace and admit we can’t be all things to all people. Lent and Holy Week and Easter, All Saints forgiveness that healed a broken person. That Sunday nights and on Wednesday nights Day, homecoming, ordinations, baptisms and keeps me coming back. BT

32 | Feature Guest Commentary By Richard V. Pierard The significance of Adoniram Judson in his day and ours

doniram Judson is remembered as William Ward re-baptize them by immersion His associates launched the work among the first American Baptist missionary. and resigned from the ABCFM since that was the tribal Karens, one of the most noteworthy Born on Aug. 9, 1788, into the home not the Congregationalist stance. Denied admis- Baptist endeavors in Burma. of a Trinitarian Congregationalist sion to British India, they went to Burma and Boardman succumbed to tuberculosis in Aminister in Malden, Mass., he was a precocious arrived in Rangoon on July 13, 1813. 1831, but Sarah continued his work. Adoniram boy who learned to read at age 3, did well in the American Baptists created a board in the married her in 1834, and five of their children schools he attended, and even mastered Latin following year to support the Judsons, and they lived to adulthood. and Greek. officially became the first Baptist missionaries He then turned to the task of a Burmese After his father relocated to a church in from the United States. Both Adoniram and dictionary, while she did translation work of Plymouth, Adoniram entered Rhode Island Ann were gifted linguists, and they quickly her own. In 1845 her health failed and he took College (now Brown University) in 1804. Three learned the language and engaged in her to the United States for treatment, but she years later he graduated as the class valedicto- translation work. died en route. During his furlough he rian, had a dramatic faith experience, and in He created a grammar and was hailed everywhere as a hero. 1808 enrolled in Andover Seminary. ultimately translated the entire He also married Emily There he met some Williams College Bible into Burmese (1834). Chubbock (1817-54), a teacher men who in 1806 had pledged themselves to He also preached and wrote and writer who returned to foreign missions at the legendary “Haystack tracts in the language, and Burma with him. He finished Prayer Meeting.” They formed a group to in 1819 experienced the the dictionary in 1849 and died promote missions and persuaded the evangeli- first convert. the next year at age 61 of a respi- cal Congregationalists at their 1810 meeting Ann demonstrated ratory condition. in Bradford to create a missionary support extraordinary skills as Judson was the archetypical society known as the American Board of well. She studied Thai and pioneer missionary who empha- Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM). translated Matthew into the sized Bible translation as the key to Since funds to support missionaries were language of Siam, assisted her evangelism. He inspired generations lacking, Judson was sent to London to seek help husband by translating Daniel of Americans to volunteer for foreign from Congregationalists there but to no avail. and Jonah into Burmese, and wrote a service, and his exemplary ministry was the Then the board received a large bequest from history of the American Baptist mission to the taproot for Baptist missionary interest. a woman that enabled the sending of some Burmese Empire while on home leave in 1823. Churches and colleges took the Judson Americans to India. Her published correspondence helped stimulate name, e.g., Judson College in Alabama, a wom- Five of the men were duly commissioned missionary interest among American Baptists. en’s school named after Ann Judson, and Judson at a celebrated service at Tabernacle Church in During a 21-month Anglo-Burmese war University in Illinois. Parents named their Salem on Feb. 6, 1812, and part of them sailed Adoniram was imprisoned, only surviving children after him, the best-known example from Philadelphia and the other from Salem. because of Ann’s resourcefulness in bringing being Adoniram Judson Gordon (1836-95), the The day before the service, Adoniram married food and negotiating with officials for better eminent Boston preacher, educator and missions the teacher Ann Hasseltine (1789-1826), and treatment. She died soon after his release in figure. on Feb. 19 — together with Samuel and Harriet 1826. In spite of her short life, many schol- Burmese Christians today view Judson Newell — they left Salem for India. ars see her as the most influential missionary with high esteem and honor his memory. Let us Knowing that he would have to explain his woman in American history. do likewise. BT position on baptism to the great British mis- After the war ended, reinforcements sionary William Carey, he and Ann engaged in arrived, most notably George Dana and Sarah —Richard V. Pierard is professor of history emeri- intensive Bible study during the long journey. Boardman and Jonathan and Deborah Wade. tus of Indiana State University and a member They concluded that believer’s baptism by Judson moved the center of the work south to of Providence Baptist Church in Hendersonville, immersion actually was the correct view and Moulmein, where he continued to write and N.C. This commentary is based on an essay pre- they should become Baptists. preach and founded the first permanent church pared for the bicentennial commemoration of Upon arrival they had the British Baptist in Burma (1827). American overseas missions held in February.

Perspective | 33 ,& ,%60/ 4$6%1/&, Online Editor In their own words

AND THE AMERICAN

White Southerners cheer as Thomas 150 years ago “Stonewall” Jackson troubles Union ! forces in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. May 1862 Jackson, while attending a Baptist We must have more personal holi- congregation during his young years, ness, more zeal for good works, more came to appreciate the Bible and, in liberality in Christian enterprises, more of the spirit of Christian brother- particular, studied the military actions hood, and a greater regard for eternal in the Old Testament. Now, he is a things… Then will God bless us, and stay this cruel war, and change our warrior for God’s Confederacy. mourning into rejoicing. Then will the Meanwhile, Union General David Hunter Sun of His loving mercy beam forth — from Hilton Head, S.C., overseeing the gloriously over our land, and cause United States military presence in the Deep peace, prosperity and happiness, to South — issues an order stating that persons on both sides of the great conflict. reign supreme. “heretofore held as slaves, are therefore Meanwhile, active Baptists this month declared forever free.” are not hesitant to voice their opinions A writer in North Carolina’s Biblical U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, pri- about the seemingly perilous state of the Recorder newspaper expresses gratitude that vately contemplating the emancipation of Confederacy. Samuel Boykin, editor of “Southern preachers,” despite condemnation African slaves but sensing the time is not Georgia Baptists’ Christian Index newspaper, by northern heretics, have “been true to the quite ripe, promptly rescinds Hunter’s act. offers a prescription for Southern salvation: South.” Attending a Primitive Baptist church during his young years, Lincoln had been influenced For the true life of a nation is its reli- They have dared to be patriotic and by the congregation’s anti-slavery stance. gion; and to preserve purity, sanctity, friends of liberty, not only in heart Now, the President awaits a more opportune vitality in its religion, by the punish- and sentiment, but also in word time to make his own public statement. ment of a nation, is the dictate of the and action. With … few exceptions That time will come a mere four months loftiest wisdom …. God chastises the … they have stood by their country hence. nations of His love, lest they forget and their people through these try- Meanwhile, Massachusetts-born politi- Him…. As a people, have we not been ing times … have not only declared cian and Union General Benjamin Butler proud, boasters, forgetful of God, the duty of Christian freeman, but — graduate of a Baptist college, where he seekers of pleasure, laying up for our- shown by their example … [and] studied to be a minister but instead became selves treasures on earth rather than have supported their government a lawyer — is in charge of the federal occu- in heaven?.... Sufficient for us is it, and their rulers. pation of New Orleans. This month he that our land is swept by the tornado issues an order targeted at southern women, of war; that our households are made Two worldviews are thus juxtaposed. One is declaring that any woman who insults or desolate; that sorrow, suffering, want hurtling toward a public political declaration shows contempt for any U.S. soldier or and fearful anxiety, have taken their that slavery is against the will of God and officer shall be treated as a prostitute. White abode near each hearth-stone beneath antithetical to just government. The other is Southerners do not appreciate such inso- our fair skies. God grant that we may more confident than ever that African slav- lence, and give Butler the nickname, the speedily see that it is our own sins for ery is God’s will for the human race, a will “Beast of New Orleans.” which we are being punished; that so great that God himself is momentarily At the same time, martial law and the God is calling us out to turn from our punishing his chosen nation in order to bet- suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in the evil ways that He may without His ter effect his will in the future. In this latter Confederate capital of Richmond is upheld by hand; and that it becomes us to repent world view, blessed are the white ministers Confederate attorney general Thomas Watts, a in sack-cloth and ashes, and return of the Southern Gospel who remain faithful prominent layman of Montgomery, Alabama’s to our first love, and do our first to the mission of God’s Confederacy. BT First Baptist Church. works…. We must return to the Lord Baptist influence thus quietly lurks … with renewed trust in the all-suf- —For a daily journal along with references to beneath the surface of major civil war figures ficing righteousness of our Redeemer. source material, visit civilwarbaptists.org.

34 | Feature Editor’s note: This article in the series “Transitions: Helping churches and church leaders in changing times” is provided by the Center for Congregational Health (healthychurch.org) based in Winston-Salem, N.C. Surprising change Seminary education, like the church, takes on new forms

By Heather Entrekin

Walking into a classroom to meet 11 or bring dramatically different concepts of knowledge and skills that the church-to-come church. They are gathering vibrant congrega- requires of its leaders if it is to witness to members of a new Doctor of Ministry tions in tattoo parlors and coffee shops or the presence of God among us. In truth, the cohort in Yangon, Myanmar (for- around the dinner table at a different home church has always needed leaders like this every week. Worship time is as likely to be a — women and men of imagination, improvi- merly, Burma), I was startled to be the Thursday night as a Sunday morning. sation and integrity whose lives are centered in These innovative leaders of the emerging the grace of God. only woman in the room. And that church take courses few seminaries would have It comes through humility. Faced with wasn’t the only surprise. recognized a generation ago: entrepreneur- the same corrosive results of massively chang- ship, missional church, conflict management, ing culture that threaten the church, Central’s he temperature was about 100 degrees. technology of commu- leaders have learned the humility that is a Jets landing at a nearby airport and nication, family systems, “trustful unknowing,” in President Molly Tconstruction workers outside an open mentoring and adaptive Marshall’s words. window periodically drowned out my lecture. change. The curriculum “It is a willingness to confess what you Far from home and what Central Baptist is as new and evolving as don’t know, to realize that nobody is sufficient Theological Seminary’s founders imagined in the church must be. for work like this apart from the graceful pres- 1901, this is not your father’s seminary educa- The seminary also ence and power of the Spirit,” she says. tion. But 11 Christian pastors in the Buddhist serves congregations As we continue to learn that lesson, we country of Myanmar entering the joint directly. Church mem- discover that doors open to new ways of doing D.Min. program of a Kansas-based seminary bers who will never seek ministry, understanding scripture, articulating and its partner school in Yangon are an illus- ordination look to us for leadership skills, theology and inviting others into the reign of tration of a surprising change. theological training, assistance in financial God. It happened in the stifling classroom in At Central we have learned, and continue management and spiritual formation. For Yangon, in the country we used to call Burma, to learn, that the seismic cultural shifts threat- them, Central designs short-term founda- where Christians are a tiny, persecuted minor- ening our institutions have potential to crack tional certificate programs or portfolios of ity and women have the fewest opportunities open space for the Holy Spirit to bring new knowledge. of all. life. In our seminary the changes are profound. We welcome students from cultures and After the first class, I learned that the Instead of a stately, residential campus traditions that stretch us into new expressions applications of two women pastors had been where students settled for three years with of God’s hospitality. Korean students, immi- rejected because they did not meet all admis- young families while Dad earned his divinity grants from Burmese refugee camps, pastors sions criteria. It grieved our Myanmar faculty degree, students of all descriptions and life leading minority churches in Myanmar, and colleagues who share Central’s commitment stages commute to a lean, modern main cam- African students contribute to an unexpectedly to gender equality. But I knew that excep- pus. But just as many rarely or never set foot rich rainbow of races, theologies and denomi- tions were possible, and our colleagues knew on the Shawnee, Kansas campus, taking classes nations in our midwestern seminary. that remedial work could be done. In the taught in churches and at distant sites, even This is not to say that a seminary pre- end, against the odds, the two women pastors Myanmar, and online. paring leaders for a church not yet imagined joined the D.Min. class in Yangon. Ranging in age from 23-69, with women abandons all principles and practices of the Trusting in God to provide and realizing numbering about half the enrollment, most past. At its core, Central continues to ground our own insufficiency, we are making room students come to seminary already active in students in gaining knowledge and learning for God’s Spirit to form and shape us, and our ministry or balancing other full-time occupa- skills. But more than acquiring information, students, in ways we could never imagine. BT tions. To meet these needs, almost all courses a seminary must teach students how to orient are taught on weeknights and weekends. themselves socially, theologically and biblically. —Heather Entrekin is Des Peres associate pro- While some students come from main- The ancient texts and spiritual practices fessor in congregational health and director line traditions and plan to serve established of our ancestors in faith continue to guide of the Doctor of Ministry program at Central congregations, many are new to Christianity us. But there is something beyond even Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee, Kan.

Perspective | 35 ,& 4/$%4/ +. "+%.9/% Faith and sports have long history together

“Tebowism” has reminded the world such as Jacob’s wrestling match with the angel and David with his slingshot. that sports and religion have been Football, baseball and basketball players twins for athletes since the ancient are presented in uniform along with a myriad of minor and major sports including tennis, Greek games and even before. fencing, archery, fishing and golf. Manning myriad of books on the subject have was pleased to see the stained glass windows been published in the last 10 years with in place before he died as a more-than-vivid Mercer University Press leading the way reminder of his understanding of sports and A religion. with a series that includes Steven Overman’s The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Sport. While Tebowism reminds us in a rather bay of windows in the Cathedral of St. John The most creative effort is William simple way of some of Manning’s commit- the Divine (Episcopal) that has been in place V. Baker’s Playing With God: Religion and ments, the gods of commercialism and “win at since 1948. To my knowledge there is only one Modern Sport (Harvard Press, 2007). The any cost” attitudes have negated the heart of other such set of windows in the world — in best and most recent critique of the subject is Manning’s dream. We see cheap advertisements Leon, Spain (Cathedral de Santa Maria de Shirl Hoffman’s Good Game (Baylor University of faith and a flood of vivid refutations of the Regia deLeon). Press, 2010). All these books bring forward a idea that sports builds character. The marriage of religion and sports wide range of views and approaches to sports Exploited by capitalists and those in the — designated as “muscular Christianity” — and religion. non-play world, we seem to be destroying the arose in England in the mid-19th century One vivid part of this history involves inherent spirit of sports. In their recent writ- and urged a healthy diet, nurture of healthy what has been called “muscular Christianity,” ings William Baker (Playing With God) and muscles, and a joy in sports as related to reli- although “muscular” expressions of other faiths Shirl Hoffman (Good Game) give ample sug- gion. Proponents called for value, dignity and are evident as well. gestions for a helpful reformation of sports humanness in religion and sports. Here I explore one piece of the history that will recover “our spiritual centers of William Thomas Manning (1866-1949) of muscular Christianity because it is so vivid gravity,” as Hoffman urged. of Northhampton, England, came to the in its message and involves what I have called Standing in awe before the sports bay United States in 1882 and was Bishop of New “the best kept secret in New York City about recently, I envisioned a truly religious dimen- York from 1921 to 1946. Manning was con- religion and sports.” It involves a stained glass sion of sport and was reminded of the excellent verted to the essence of muscular Christianity description given by George Leonard in The and believed that sports were just as important Ultimate Athlete: as prayers. As early as 1928 he saw to the “formal One who joins body, mind, and spirit in the assignment” of a sports bay of stained glass dance of existence; windows in the cathedral. By 1948 the bay of One who explores both inner and outer being; windows was in place. Manning had raised One who surpasses limitations and crosses more than $12 million for this bay by hold- boundaries in the process of personal and ing horse shows and special events in Yankee social transformation; Stadium. One who plays the larger game, the Game of He justified the bay of windows by Games with full awareness, award of life and affirming that it would be a witness against death and willing to accept the pain and joy wrong-minded Puritan “Blue Laws” — and that awareness brings; it would say that God is indeed interested in One who, finally, best serves as model and games and pleasures, and become a symbol of guide on our evolutionary journey. the place of youth in the life of the church. It would honor great athletes who represented Today as never before, we need to add a truly sporting ideals such as Hobey Baker, Walter religious dimension to sports, for the heart Camp, Christy Mathewson and Bob Wrens. and essence of sports is being destroyed by Hubert’s Bay was dedicated to St. Hubert commercialism and idolatry. BT (656-728), the patron saint of hunters and also of animal protections. —George H. Shriver is professor emeritus of The beautiful bay of stained glass win- history at Georgia Southern University where dows is the first on the left as one enters the he taught from 1973-1999. He also coached the nave. Twenty-eight modern sports are depicted women’s tennis team for 10 years and served as a along with a few (six or seven) from the Bible tennis official.

36 | Perspective ,& '1/""'()%$ "*/0.'1/, Religion News Service

TOO TIMID? Vatican wants to revive church’s role in fighting the Mafia

VATICAN CITY — Vatican officials in March traveled to the island of Sicily, the heartland of the Mafia, to promote the church’s role in fighting organized crime. The Vatican says it wants to show that the best way to respond to the Mafia is through the promo- tion of a “culture of dialogue and legality.” The “Courtyard of the Gentiles,” a Vatican-sponsored initiative aimed at bridging the gap between Christian and secular culture, organized the two-day event in Palermo, Sicily’s main town. The agenda included a speech by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, and a roundtable with priests, prosecutors and Mafia experts. The conference ended Friday night, March 30, with an interfaith festival on the steps of Palermo’s cathedral, organized by the grassroots anti-Mafia movement “Addio Pizzo.” The Catholic Church in Italy has often been accused of being too timid towards the Mafia. Event organizer Bishop Antonino Raspanti admitted that the church “has not condemned strongly enough,” the Mafia in the past. But “things have changed,” he said, and there is no doubt that the “Mafia is anti-human and anti- religious.” BT “[The] Mafia is anti-human and anti-religious.”

—Bishop Antonino Raspanti

Information | 37 The Lighter Side By Brett Younger Looking for the lighter side

Twelve years ago, the editor asked me someone in Liberia needed my shoes more than I do. to contribute three times a year to a I have learned to look for the bright lights new column for Baptists Today called in ministry: the kind of preachers whose nurs- eries run out of space nine months after they “The Lighter Side.” (It later became preach on the Song of Solomon; ministers who speak on war, abortion, and the presidential four times a year, then 12, then six, and campaign and have everyone shouting “Amen”; now it’s back to 12.) ministers who may initially be distracted dur- ing worship (“Why does the Lord’s Prayer his is my 100th “Lighter Side” column. sound like the voice on my GPS?”), but who brake is the one on the left.” I know this because a collection of these end up with “I can’t believe what saints I get to When Carol and I spent our 25th wed- Tcolumns is being put together through serve.” ding anniversary in separate rooms at a Baptists Today’s expanding Nurturing Faith When I joined the Former Pastors’ Club, monastery, my disappointment was tempered publishing efforts. It will even be available in this column led me to make a list of what I by Carol’s assurance that people would laugh at ebook — and I’m not sure what that is. (My missed — baptizing young Christians, senior my frustration. one disappointment is the contract stipulates citizens who ask me to pray with them, and My pathetic attempts at athletics seem that I only get 50 percent of the profits from free parking at the hospital. less agonizing when I write about them movie rights and action figures.) My light, bright family has been the vic- “The key to my success is not running fast I’ve been thinking about titles for the tim of many columns. I’ve written about the or far.” This column inspired me to admit book that aren’t quite right: The Lighter Side day I met Carol (she was scooping butter pecan that “Gyms contain little oxygen, and the line — Greatest Hits 2000-2012 or The Lighter Side for new seminary students; I got in line even between warming up and tiring out is now — Volume 1 or Living on the Lighter Side or though I prefer chocolate). non-existent.” Lighten Up or Columns I Wish Were Funnier I would not have been a chaperone at When I played basketball at youth camp, — or one that might help it sell: Pulitzer Prize- Graham’s sixth grade dance if I wasn’t sure I my pain was tempered by the understanding Winning Columns. could get a column out of it. (I was kind to that I could write about it: “I conserved energy I’m sure that my editor meant “lighter” shout loud enough for his friends to hear, by taking the elevator instead of the stairs and as in “not serious.” “Not serious” is a fine goal, “I wish your father was here.”) When Caleb lying down in the shower.” but writing this column has done surprising needed a driving instructor, I agreed because I Because I write this column, I took things for me. could write about it: “For future reference, the notes during a trip to Israel: “Have you seen Because I write this column for Baptists any of these in your town: The Church of Today, I learned that Johnny Cash, the the Adolescent Jesus, The Church of the Sundance Kid, and Queen Latifah (think of Flagellation, or The Church of Our Lady of her as G.A. Queen Latifah-with-a-Scepter) the Spasm?” were Baptists. When I heard that the Georgia I took notes at a Jimmy Buffett concert: Baptist Convention was kicking out a church “Jimmy claimed the pope came to a concert, for having a female pastor, I didn’t think — blessed the cheeseburgers and told Jimmy he as I would have before having this column had long been a parrothead.” — “Why are Baptists stupid?” but jumped I took notes at the International Biscuit straight to “Why don’t we kick out all women Festival (which I would never have attended if who wear ‘braided hair, or gold, or pearls’?” I did not write this column): “BYOB — Butter (1 Tim 2:9). Your Own Biscuit.” I have learned to look for the shining When you write a column called “The lights in Christ’s church, gracious women who Lighter Side,” you end up looking for light. I wish Miss Manners had written Romans, the have been given a good gift. BT painter at my parents’ church who put a hint of kudzu in the baptistery, the good church —Brett Younger is associate professor of people who made me drive home barefoot after preaching at Mercer University’s preaching at their church because they thought McAfee School of Theology.

38 | Feature

,& -'03 6. +'%5/11, Editor Emeritus Morrow’s ‘Mother Superior’

ORROW, Ga. — Sarah Brown Withers RECOGNITIONS teaches the Faith Sunday school class at Sarah Withers First Baptist Church of Morrow, Ga., Mercer honored Sarah with the Louie D. M Newton Award in 2001and with an honorary south of Atlanta. Some of these more-seasoned rules many hearts with women in the church have a nickname for her: doctor of humanities degree in 2002. Also in “Mother Superior.” caring ministry 2001, Baptist Women in Ministry of Georgia It is a term of endearment, however. In named her the Distinguished Church Woman addition to her excellent Bible teaching, Sarah of the Year. ministers to her class members in dozens of “I never aspired to be a church staff mem- ways throughout each week. ber,” said Sarah. “I just wanted to be a good Her constant care led class members in pastor’s wife and help young girls reach their 1996 to request that the congregation license potential in Christian growth and community Sarah as a minister so she could conduct funer- service. Thus, I have always been involved in als and weddings for their families. Over the Baptist Women in Ministry groups, though years she has officiated at 45 funerals and 20 never an official ‘minister.’ So that award is weddings across the Southeast. special to me.” In a recommendation letter, George TOUGH START Balentine, former pastor of First Baptist Jack Harwell and Sarah Withers Church of Augusta, Ga., and former president Sarah Teresa Brown was born in Southwest became her study partner and then her husband. of Shorter College, wrote: “Sarah represents Atlanta in 1931. Her father died when she was After graduation they moved to Louisville, the highest caliber of servanthood and church- just 6, and Sarah and her mother moved in with Ky., where Harold attended Southern Baptist manship of any person I know.” an aunt and uncle. Then at age 8, she lost her Theological Seminary while Sarah taught mother as well. school. STILL ON MISSION Sarah continued to live with her aunt and In recent years Sarah has been involved with uncle who were unprepared for parenting and MULTITASKING not involved in church. She was lonely. an effort to raise monies for Baptist Medical But as Sarah recalled: “Across the street Her award-winning career as an educator con- & Dental Mission International, based in from our house lived a wonderful family called tinued throughout Harold’s 40 years of ministry Hattiesburg, Miss. She serves as “manager” for Baptists.” in seven First Baptist churches in Georgia: musicians and friends Joan Godsey and Hugh She found family and increased faith in Reidsville, McRae, Fort Valley, Waycross, Waddy, whose concerts benefit this mission historic Gordon Street Baptist Church, led for Forsyth, Powder Springs and Forest Park. cause. many years by much-beloved, Scottish-born In each of these county-seat towns, in While Sarah has been recognized for pastor D.J. Evans. addition to her teaching career, Sarah was a her many gifts as an educator, minister and “They were a wonderful loving family who vital part of the congregation and a mother to mission advocate, she has never sought the taught me love and about Jesus Christ who two daughters and twin sons. Directing youth spotlight. Yet she is an advocate for truth and became my Savior and Lord,” she recalled. “At choirs was one of her specialties. Also she led justice. When I was an editor, some of the last I knew why I was born. My purpose for several professional education and civic groups, noblest letters I ever published came from living was to tell others of this wonderful love so and took advanced studies in math, reading and Sarah Brown Withers. beautifully demonstrated by my church family.” educational supervision at five different colleges. More than anything else, Sarah invests in Sarah was totally immersed in the Gordon Such multitasking has continued through- being a true friend to many. Last August, when Street church throughout her childhood and out Sarah’s life. At the Morrow church she has Sarah celebrated her 80th birthday, 12 differ- youth including mission programs for girls and been a deacon for many years, including two ent groups threw her birthday parties. women and all musical programs of the church. terms as chair. She has served on the missions Her beloved Sunday school class had to With few financial resources, she planned committee for 10 years and chaired two pas- wait until two weeks after the big day to have to attend Georgia State University in Atlanta tor search committees. She sings in the adult their own celebration. But, then, they are the and work at night. But her pastor learned of choir, and her oldest daughter, Joy Brown, is the ones who get by with calling her “Mother her desire to attend Baptist-related Mercer church’s longtime organist. Superior.” BT University in Macon and drove her down to Outside her own congregation, Sarah assemble enough financial aid and work scholar- has served as a Mercer trustee and a mentor —Jack Harwell provides pastoral care ships to make that happen. for McAfee School of Theology students. She on the staff of First Baptist Church There she met a bright, young ministe- coordinates an annual prayer retreat and has led of Morrow, Ga. He is editor emeritus rial student named Harold Withers, who first numerous mission trips for girls. of Baptists Today.

40 | Feature Quality& Value brought together in one trusted resource

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Johns Creek Baptist Church, Alpharetta, Ga. Youngsville Baptist Church, Youngsville, N.C. First Baptist Church, Gainesville, Ga. Kirkwood Baptist Church, St. Louis, Mo. Zebulon Baptist Church, Zebulon, N.C. First Baptist Church, Gastonia, N.C. Knollwood Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, N.C. First Baptist Church, Greensboro, N.C. Lakeside Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, N.C. First Baptist Church, Greenville, S.C. Littleton Baptist Church, Littleton, N.C. See, there’s room here. Add your church’s name to the growing list. Discover the benefits of once-a-year ordering and the special rates for 25 or more — and even deeper discounts for orders of 100 or more. Call toll-free 1-877-752-5658 or visit baptiststoday.org. ,& 3/( 0'2*, Associated Baptist Press The poor among you

ALLAS — They gather at dawn at day- to choose between paying the rent, the light comfortably in America, let alone a family of labor centers or designated parking lots bill and the water bill or paying for groceries. four.” Dwhere contractors hire workers. Some For the elderly, it may be a choice between the Neither SNAP benefits nor refundable tax stop on their way to pick up a cheap breakfast mortgage and medication,” Everett said. credits — like the Earned Income Tax Credit taco at a convenience store, buying their meal Some even find themselves living on the or Child Tax Credit — factor into poverty fig- from an employee earning minimum wage. streets, noted Jimmy Dorrell, founder and ures in the U.S. Census, he added. At the store, they wait in line with members executive director of Mission Waco/Mission “If they were, the data would show that of a crew purchasing gas for the mowers and World, a Central Texas-based ministry focused these programs lifted 9.3 million people above trimmers they will use to cut the grass of other on community transformation. the poverty line in 2010. These programs can people’s lawns. “We have folks in our shelter who had mean the difference between getting by and They are the working poor — people who never been in one and never imagined them- going hungry for poor families — whether may work more hours a week than the average selves there,” Dorrell said. “Minimum-wage newly or generationally poor,” Beckmann said. salaried employee, but they do it at a cobbled- jobs, especially 29-hours-a-week jobs without together assortment of part-time jobs without benefits, can’t come close to paying the bills. CHRISTIAN RESPONSE benefits. The growing unskilled workforce has few Some Christians fail to consider the plight Some find themselves trapped in the living-wage job choices.” of the poor because they don’t recognize the situation because they lack the education or emphasis Jesus placed on concern for one’s technical skills to find a better job. Others lost neighbor and compassion for the vulnerable, salaried positions due to economic recession Everett observed. and are working part-time or temporary jobs “Many Christians are not well-versed in to try to make ends meet. what Jesus had to say about the poor,” Everett said. “Caring for the poor is intrinsic to our LIVING IN POVERTY calling as Christians. Every person is created Ron Sider, founder of Evangelicals for Social in the image of God, and that means we are all Action, sees that situation — coupled with the interconnected.” United States’ deficit and a growing gap between Some reserve their compassion only for the rich and poor — as a justice crisis. the few whom they consider worthy of assis- “Minimum wage doesn’t get a person even tance, he added. close to the poverty level. People ought to be “There’s no such thing as the deserving able to work their way out of poverty,” Sider, GROWING NUMBERS poor and the undeserving poor. Jesus didn’t professor at Palmer Theological Seminary in Underemployed or unemployed victims of say, ‘Whatever you did for the least of these my Wynnewood, Pa., said in an interview. recession, together with the ranks of the work- brothers — when they deserved it — you did But more Americans live in poverty ing poor who have been unable to rise above it to me,’” Everett said. today than at any time in more than 50 years, poverty, have forced growing numbers to rely according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the on government welfare. HARSH REALITIES National Bureau of Economic Research. Nearly 15 percent of all Americans — a Others insist the poor simply should take “The richest nation in human history now record 45.7 million people — now participate more initiative and pull themselves up by their has the highest poverty level of any Western in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance own bootstraps, Dorrell noted. industrialized nation,” Sider writes in his new Program, formerly known as food stamps. “Some continue to blame the poor for book, Fixing the Moral Deficit: A Balanced Way “Many people who never thought they their own harsh realities and point to the to Balance the Budget. would have to rely on federal safety net pro- rugged individualism of my grandpa, who grams to help make ends meet do now — and brought himself up without any help,” DIFFICULT CHOICES without these programs, many more Americans he said. Poverty forces some individuals and would have fallen into poverty and hunger That attitude finds its most extreme families into making tough decisions, said in this last recession,” said David Beckmann, expression in the libertarian views advanced Jeremy Everett, director of the Texas Hunger president of Bread for the World, a Washington, by mid-20th century writer Ayn Rand, who Initiative, a program of the Baylor University D.C.-based Christian advocacy group. believed each person should pursue his or her School of Social Work in partnership with the “You also have to consider how low the own self-interests, not sacrifice for others, Sider Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission. federal poverty line is — $23,000 per year is noted in an interview. “Often, people find themselves having too low for most two-person households to live “It’s astonishing to me that any Christian

42 | Feature would embrace a philosophy that says we have do it by themselves, Everett noted. Biblical justice also means protecting the no responsibility for our neighbors,” he said. “The church should lead the way, but the interests of the vulnerable, he added. While church cannot do it alone. Churches developed Sider believes the current national deficit is MORE THAN CHARITY the hospital system to care for the sick. They “intergenerational injustice” and wants to see Other Christians take seriously bibli- led the way in creating hospitals. But if only the government move toward a balanced bud- cal teachings about compassion for the poor churches ran hospitals today, we wouldn’t have get, he warned against politicians who “want and vulnerable. They operate food pantries, enough to care for everybody,” Everett said. to balance the federal budget on the backs of volunteer at homeless shelters, support free “In terms of responding to poverty, the the poor.” or reduced-price medical clinics and work on church should lead the way, but Christians Beckmann agreed, noting that “cutting the Habitat for Humanity projects to build homes should use their influence to get others involved amount of money dedicated to programs that for low-income families. — to bring government, the nonprofit sector help hungry and poor people make ends meet But for all their efforts, they hardly make and the private sector to the table.” would not make as big a difference to the bud- a dent in the problem of poverty. Charities get deficit as it would to low-income families.” nationwide provide only about 6 percent of the BIBLICAL JUSTICE Sider and Beckmann urged Christians to assistance that government programs for the Christians need to move from concern create a “circle of protection” around govern- poor provide, Bread for the World reports. about the poor to hungering for biblical justice, mental programs that are vital to poor people Five federal programs — SNAP, Sider said. In Scripture, justice means more than and advocate for their interests. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, procedural fairness in the courts; it also means “It is sometimes a challenge to understand Earned Income Tax Credit, Supplemental fair access to society’s productive resources so the importance of advocacy when addressing Security Income for the disabled and Medicaid people can earn their own way, he said. these issues, but we need to change the politics — cost about $485 billion in 2010. “Biblical justice rejects the Marxist idea of of hunger if we want to create more wide- “If the 325,000 religious congregations equal outcomes just as it rejects limiting justice spread and lasting change,” Beckmann said. in the United States wished to take over these to fair procedures. But it does demand equality “With the stroke of a pen, decisions are made programs, each congregation would need to of opportunity up to the point where everyone that affect millions of lives and redirect add about $1.5 million to its annual budget,” has access to productive capital so that, if they millions of dollars.” BT Sider writes in Fixing the Moral Deficit. work responsibly, they can enjoy an adequate Christians should lead by example in income and be dignified members of society,” —Ken Camp is managing editor of the meeting the needs of the poor, but they cannot Sider writes. Baptist Standard in Texas.

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